Carole King is one of the most beloved and accomplished singer-songwriters in American music history. From her early years as a hit-making songwriter in the Brill Building to her rise as a Grammy-winning solo artist with the iconic album Tapestry, King has left an indelible mark on popular music. Known for her deeply personal lyrics and timeless melodies, she has influenced generations of musicians and fans. With such a long and impactful career, many continue to ask: Is Carole King still alive?
This article provides a definitive answer, along with a detailed look at King’s health, career accomplishments, and lasting legacy in the music world.
Is Carole King Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Carole King is still alive as of 2025.
Now 83 years old, King remains an active and respected figure in the music industry. While she has significantly reduced her public performances in recent years, she continues to make appearances at special events, lend her voice to environmental and political causes, and celebrate her storied career through books, documentaries, and re-releases of her classic work.
Early Life and Songwriting Origins
Carole King was born Carol Joan Klein on February 9, 1942, in Manhattan, New York. She grew up in Brooklyn and showed prodigious musical talent from a young age, learning piano as a child and composing songs in her teens.
She attended Queens College, where she met Gerry Goffin, her songwriting partner and first husband. The two began writing songs together in the early 1960s and quickly found success as part of the Brill Building scene—a hub for music publishing and production in New York City.
Hit-Making Years: The Goffin and King Partnership
In the 1960s, Carole King and Gerry Goffin became one of the most successful songwriting duos of the era.
Iconic Songs Written by Goffin and King:
- “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – The Shirelles
- “Take Good Care of My Baby” – Bobby Vee
- “The Loco-Motion” – Little Eva
- “One Fine Day” – The Chiffons
- “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” – Aretha Franklin
Their songs topped charts across the country and shaped the sound of early pop and R&B music. King’s strength was in crafting melodies that were both accessible and emotionally resonant, while Goffin provided poignant, relatable lyrics.
Solo Career and the Success of Tapestry
While Carole King’s songwriting success was already legendary by the end of the 1960s, her 1971 solo album Tapestry transformed her into a household name.
Tapestry Highlights:
- Sold over 25 million copies worldwide
- Won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year
- Featured classic tracks like:
- “It’s Too Late”
- “So Far Away”
- “I Feel the Earth Move”
- “You’ve Got a Friend”
Tapestry spent 15 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and became one of the most influential albums of all time, redefining the singer-songwriter genre and elevating the role of women in pop music.
Continued Musical Career and Touring
Following the success of Tapestry, Carole King continued to release albums and tour throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Notable Albums:
- Music (1971)
- Rhymes and Reasons (1972)
- Fantasy (1973)
- Wrap Around Joy (1974) – which included the hit “Jazzman”
In the 1990s and 2000s, she toured more selectively, often collaborating with artists such as James Taylor, with whom she shares a decades-long friendship and musical partnership. Their 2010 “Troubadour Reunion Tour” was a major commercial success.
Awards and Honors
Carole King has received numerous accolades recognizing both her artistic contributions and cultural impact.
Key Awards and Recognition:
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a songwriter in 1990 and solo artist in 2021)
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Kennedy Center Honors (2015)
- Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song – the first woman to receive this honor
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Her music continues to be celebrated in tribute concerts, documentaries, and academic studies on songwriting and cultural history.
Health and Well-Being
As of 2025, Carole King is in good health for her age and leads a relatively private life. She lives part-time in Idaho, where she enjoys nature, hiking, and family life.
She is known for:
- Living a clean and health-conscious lifestyle
- Supporting mental health awareness
- Speaking out about the challenges of fame, creativity, and longevity in the music industry
Though she no longer tours regularly, she has made occasional public performances in support of causes she cares about.
Activism and Advocacy
Beyond her music, Carole King has become a passionate advocate for environmental causes, particularly in her adopted home state of Idaho and throughout the western U.S.
Causes She Supports:
- Forest conservation and wildlife protection
- Climate change awareness
- Political advocacy for progressive issues
- Women’s rights and gender equality
King frequently collaborates with organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and has testified before Congress on environmental policy.
Influence on Music and Culture
Carole King’s influence on popular music is immeasurable. She helped define the modern singer-songwriter movement and proved that women could be not only performers but also producers, composers, and chart-toppers.
Artists Influenced by King:
- Sara Bareilles
- Taylor Swift
- Alicia Keys
- Brandi Carlile
- Adele
Her music is taught in universities, covered by artists across genres, and continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.
“Beautiful” and Broadway Legacy
In 2014, King’s life story was brought to the stage in the hit Broadway musical “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”
Key Facts About Beautiful:
- Opened on Broadway in 2014 and ran for over five years
- Nominated for multiple Tony Awards, winning Best Actress for Jessie Mueller
- Toured internationally, reaching audiences in London, Australia, and across North America
The show introduced King’s legacy to younger audiences and highlighted her resilience as a woman navigating the music business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carole King still alive in 2025?
Yes. Carole King is alive and continues to be active in select public and creative endeavors.
How old is Carole King?
She was born on February 9, 1942, making her 83 years old in 2025.
What is Carole King best known for?
She is best known for writing dozens of pop hits in the 1960s and for her solo album Tapestry, which remains one of the best-selling and most influential albums of all time.
Is Carole King still performing?
She no longer tours regularly but has made appearances at select events and causes she supports.
Has Carole King received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award?
Yes. She has received multiple Grammy Awards and was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Was she inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes. She was inducted as a songwriter in 1990 and again as a solo performer in 2021.
Conclusion
So, is Carole King still alive? Yes—and her legacy is stronger than ever. At 83, she remains a living icon whose songwriting brilliance, emotional depth, and cultural impact continue to shape American music and inspire artists around the world.
From her Brill Building beginnings to the groundbreaking Tapestry, Carole King’s music has become part of the emotional landscape of millions. Her enduring presence in 2025 serves as a testament to the power of honest storytelling, musical innovation, and the voice of a woman who forever changed the face of songwriting.