Carly Simon has revealed she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, sharing details of her health for the first time after years away from the public eye. The 83-year-old singer-songwriter also disclosed that she was treated for skin cancer while preparing her first new album in 18 years, Comes in Waves.
The You’re So Vain singer announced the news in a statement released on Monday, explaining why she had remained largely out of the spotlight.
Carly Simon opens up about living with Parkinson’s disease
Simon said she decided to speak publicly after receiving messages from fans asking about her wellbeing.
“So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative silence, asking how I am and what I have been doing. The truth is, I’ve been learning how to live with Parkinson’s disease.”
The two-time Grammy Award winner explained that it took time to come to terms with the diagnosis before she felt ready to discuss it publicly.
“It has taken me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it, and to decide how much I wanted to say about it publicly.”
She also described how the condition affects her day-to-day life.
“Parkinson’s is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable. Some days, I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself.”
Symptoms led to diagnosis at the Mayo Clinic
Simon revealed that her health problems initially appeared as severe joint pain.
“Eventually, there were periods when I could not walk without considerable help. My family and I knew that something more was going on. After an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.”
Before receiving the diagnosis, she had undergone three joint replacement operations after developing arthritis in both knees and one hip, but her mobility continued to decline.
Singer also underwent treatment for skin cancer
Alongside Parkinson’s disease, Simon revealed she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, on her face.
“The cancer was removed, but the surgery affected my appearance and made me more self-conscious about being seen in public.”
She admitted that these health challenges contributed to her decision to step back from public life.
“Withdrawing from public view was the most palatable reaction.”
New album Comes In Waves arrives in August
Despite her health struggles, Simon said she never stopped making music and has completed a new studio album.
“In the middle of all this, I began recording a new album, Comes in Waves. That still feels mysterious to me. Music has always known when to arrive. It has rescued me more times that I can count.”
Comes in Waves is scheduled for release on 14 August and will be Simon’s first studio album since 2008, ending an 18-year gap between releases.
