Carly Simon has confirmed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The 83‑year‑old singer‑songwriter said she is “learning how to live” with the condition, describing the unpredictable and sometimes frightening progression.
In a statement released to BBC, Simon shared her daily struggles – “Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all. Other days, I get a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself.” She added that she has not stopped living or working.
Simon also announced that she recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth on her face, which had affected her appearance and made her more self‑conscious in public. She noted that her inner critic has been “getting new material”.
Her new album drops in August
Despite the diagnosis, Simon is set to release her album Comes In Waves this summer. The first single “Howl” was released last month, offering a soothing message to a friend in a breakup.
Simon said she felt compelled to speak publicly after receiving letters from fans asking about her silence. She emphasizes that Parkinson’s “is neither a gift nor a blessing – it’s difficult, frustrating and sometimes frightening.”
