Singer Karen Carpenter Died At The Young Age, Explore Her Career And Married Life

The whole world mourned when singing star Karen Carpenter left the planet. She was not only a talented lady but also a young woman who had a lot to do in her life. Sadly, life became too cruel towards her as she left us at the young age of 32. Despite battling anorexia for too long, her heart failed while she was on the morning of 4th February 1983.

Despite the memories, Karen still lives in the heart of a huge mass of her fans. She had an amazing career that was at its peak before her demise. She was also married to Thomas James Burris. She divorced him before few years of her death.

Let’s have a deeper look at her failed marriage and career.

Karen Carpenter married Thomas James Burris

Carpenter was a gorgeous woman who dated many high-profile men including Tony Danza, Mike Curb, Terry Ellis, Steve Martin, Mark Harmon, and Alan Osmond. However, she ended up marrying Thomas James Burris, a real estate developer. The pair dated for a while and later got married on 31st August 1980. Their wedding ceremony took place in Beverly Hills Hotel’s Crystal Room. 

Image: Karen Carpenter and Thomas James Burris

Source: Pinterest

Karen Carpenter and Thomas James Burris divorce

Carpenter had no kids with Burris as he already had his vasectomy surgery done. The pair’s marriage dissolved after 14 months. Sources claim that Burris was abusive towards Carpenter and he often borrowed money from her. Carpenter filed for divorce while she was in the hospital. Her will didn’t include Burris’ name as she left everything to her beloved parents and brother.

Image: Karen Carpenter and Thomas James Burris

Source: Pinterest

Karen Carpenter musical career

Carpenter’s starter instrument was a glockenspiel. Later, she played drums along with her brother. Their band name was ‘The Carpenter’. In 1966, they won a battle of the bands at the Hollywood Bowl. They later signed a contract with A&M. Carpenter and her brother’s first album ‘Ticket to Ride’, formerly known as ‘Offering’, was released in 1969. After that, Carpenter shifted from drum to vocal. Their other release ‘Close to You’ in 1970 became a major hit. Their song “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” made them win a Grammy. They won another Grammy in 1970 for the best new artist.

Carpenter’s form of music was soft rock and pop. In quite a span of time, they became successful in winning a large number of fanbases.

Unfortunately, the extensive touring and other pressures began to weigh on Karen Carpenter. That is when she started losing weight and became the prey of Anorexia disease which eventually took her life.