Music legend Carly Simon has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and her announcement has given fans a deeper understanding of why the beloved singer has remained largely out of the public eye in recent years. The Grammy-winning artist recently shared that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease while also undergoing surgery for basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Her heartfelt statement offered an honest look at the challenges she has quietly faced away from the spotlight.
According to People, for years, fans wondered about Simon’s absence from public appearances. Now, the 83-year-old says she spent that time learning how to adapt to an unpredictable illness while continuing to create music. Although the journey has been difficult, she emphasized that her diagnosis has not ended her passion for songwriting or her love of life.
Carly Simon Reveals Her Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Simon explained that her health problems first appeared as joint pain, leading doctors to replace both knees and one hip. At first, she believed those surgeries explained her difficulty walking. When her mobility continued to decline, however, she sought further medical evaluation. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic eventually diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease.
The singer described how the condition affects much more than movement. Along with stiffness and balance problems, she has experienced overwhelming fatigue, anxiety, and periods of apathy that made even simple daily activities feel difficult. During the same period, she also underwent surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from her face, a procedure that temporarily left her feeling self-conscious about appearing in public.
Music Continues To Give Her Strength
Despite the challenges of Carly Simon’s Parkinson’s journey, the iconic songwriter says she has never stopped creating. While adjusting to treatment, she began recording Comes in Waves, her first full-length album of original material since 2008. She described music as a constant source of comfort that continued to give purpose and shape to her days, even when her health made everyday life unpredictable.
Simon also expressed deep gratitude to her family, caregivers, friends, and medical team for helping her through difficult moments. Although she admits Parkinson’s can be frustrating and frightening, she refuses to let it define her life. She continues to write, sing, imagine, and look toward the future with determination. By sharing her story publicly, Carly Simon’s Parkinson’s diagnosis has become more than a personal update—it has become a message of resilience, honesty, and hope for others facing similar challenges.