Carly Simon, the 83-year-old singer and songwriter, has publicly revealed she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can include symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and fatigue. Simon shared the news in a statement on Monday, explaining she had taken time to come to terms with the diagnosis before deciding how much to disclose.
Simon said her health challenges began years earlier with arthritis, leading her to undergo joint replacement surgeries on both knees and one hip. She received her Parkinson’s diagnosis following evaluation at the Mayo Clinic. Alongside Parkinson’s, Simon also underwent surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, which affected her appearance and contributed to her recent relative public silence.
In her statement, Simon described the unpredictable nature of Parkinson’s, noting that some days leave her feeling too tired to start, while others allow her more mobility and mental clarity. She acknowledged struggling with apathy related to the disease, clarifying that it is “not simply sadness or laziness,” but rather a difficult motivational challenge connected to how the brain functions. Despite these difficulties, Simon emphasized that she remains active and engaged, with music playing a significant role in her coping and recovery.
Simon’s career has spanned several decades, beginning with her Grammy win for Best New Artist in 1972. She is known for hits such as “You’re So Vain,” “Nobody Does It Better,” and “Let the River Run,” which earned her an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy in 1989. Her upcoming album, “Comes in Waves,” her first collection of original songs in 18 years, is set for release next month, with the lead single “Howl” already available.
The singer highlighted how working on the new album has given her purpose and structure amid her health struggles, saying creating music “gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room” and served as a reminder that illness “can change your life without becoming the whole of your life.” She also acknowledged relying more on others and adjusting to the variability of each day’s condition but expressed determination to continue living fully.
Parkinson’s disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, with tens of thousands diagnosed annually in the United States. While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Simon’s disclosure adds her to a growing number of public figures openly discussing their experiences with the illness, aiming to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges.