Wide-eyed and unfalteringly glamorous, Bette Davis was a defining star of the Golden Age of Hollywood. But Kim Carnes brought her into the age of neon with her '80s hit 'Bette Davis Eyes' and distinctive low vocals, combining Old Hollywood charm with a seductive edge, perfect for the modern dance floor.
Read on to find out where the '80s singer is now, who stole her heart and which celebrity singers have covered her most famous hit – including a certain New York newlywed.
© Getty ImagesKim Carnes knew she was destined to make her name in music
Who is Kim Carnes?
Born in Hollywood on 20 July 1945, Kim Carnes was ready to take to the stage at just 4 years old, already certain she was destined to become a singer.
She started out as a songwriter for other artists, built up experience on-stage in local clubs and took to the studio as a backing singer.
© Getty ImagesDave and Kim met while performing in the same folk group
Married bliss
Kim married fellow songwriter and actor Dave Ellingson in 1967. They're still happily wed today and quickly approaching their 60th anniversary.
The pair met while on the road when they both performed with the folk group New Christy Minstrels and have since welcomed two children together.
© VCG via Getty ImagesKim Carnes is a proud mother of two
Mother of two
After Kim found love with fellow musician Dave, the happy couple welcomed two sons, Collin and Ry Ellingson.
When discussing the secret to a long and happy marriage, Kim kept their support system front and centre, explaining: "All our best friends are in the entertainment business and so we consider them family. Plus, we are crazy about our kids. Our motto has always been “Laugh a lot.”
© Getty ImagesKim Carnes' hit 'Bette Davis Eyes' was recognised by the Grammy Awards
Her biggest hit
'Bette Davis Eyes' is an instantly recognisable hit, from that first opening line as Kim rasps out: "Her hair is Harlow gold". It earned top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks and became an international hit.
The Grammys bestowed two awards for the song, which took home Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesTaylor Swift and JoJo Siwa have both covered Kim Carnes' most popular track
Celebrity covers
Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and several A-list stars have taken inspiration from the '80s hit. Pop icon Taylor Swift covered the track on her Speak Now World Tour in 2011.
Former Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa also made headlines for her cover, which many fans saw as a dramatic change in direction as she donned Old Hollywood glamour to match.
© Getty Images for CMHOFKim Carnes has mostly stepped out of the public eye
Where is she now?
Kim is currently enjoying a life spent mostly away from the spotlight at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, but makes sure to keep her fans in the loop via regular updates on her Instagram.
Her followers were particularly delighted to hear Kim plans to release a box set titled 'Universal Songs: The A&M, EMI America & MCA Years' as a retrospective of her music career in late 2026.
