Carly Simon Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment: ‘I Am Still Very Much Here’

Iconic singer-songwriter Carly Simon has opened up about her recent health challenges, reassuring fans that she remains resilient and deeply present despite facing diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease and basal cell carcinoma at 81 years old.

In a candid statement released to Billboard, Simon addressed inquiries regarding her recent absence from the public eye. “The reality is that I have been navigating life with Parkinson’s disease,” she shared. “It required considerable time to process the diagnosis, adapt to its realities, and determine how much I wished to disclose publicly. Parkinson’s manifests differently for everyone and remains inherently unpredictable. Some mornings leave me entirely depleted of energy, while others afford me enough vitality to move, think, create, and reconnect with myself.”

The legendary artist explained that her initial physical decline began with arthritis in both knees and a hip. Following successful joint replacements, she assumed her persistent mobility struggles were simply part of the rehabilitation process. However, as her movement continued to decline—making unassisted standing and walking increasingly difficult—a thorough evaluation at the Mayo Clinic ultimately confirmed the Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, slowed movement, and postural instability, alongside non-motor symptoms such as cognitive fatigue, mood shifts, and sleep disturbances. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 1.1 million Americans currently live with the condition.

Simon noted that she has begun targeted therapies and medications to manage joint stiffness and associated symptoms. “This illness operates on its own timeline, paying no heed to personal schedules,” she observed. “Beyond the physical manifestations like tremors and balance issues, Parkinson’s influences emotional and mental wellbeing, bringing waves of exhaustion and profound apathy. That particular symptom is surreal—finding yourself immobilized, while your internal drive to read, write, sing, or reach out temporarily fades away.”

Concurrently, the Grammy-winning artist underwent treatment for basal cell carcinoma on her face. The Mayo Clinic identifies this ailment as a prevalent form of skin cancer typically arising from cumulative ultraviolet sun exposure.

Although the medical procedure successfully removed the malignancy, the recovery noticeably altered her physical appearance, amplifying her natural self-consciousness. “I have consistently held myself to impossibly high aesthetic standards—the irony of penning ‘You’re So Vain’ is not lost on me,” she remarked. “Naturally, this situation supplied my inner critic with plenty of fresh material.”

Faced with intersecting health hurdles and the emotional weight of recovery, Simon admitted that retreating from the spotlight felt like the most natural response. “If hibernation is permitted across all seasons, I have officially transformed into a year-round bear.”

Fortunately, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has channeled her experiences into artistry, announcing the upcoming release of a brand-new studio album titled Comes in Waves. “Music has always possessed an uncanny sense of timing,” Simon reflected. “It has rescued me countless times, acting like a loyal companion that appears precisely when you feel disconnected from yourself. This record incorporates melodies and lyrical fragments I stored away years ago, waiting for a moment when I could finally complete them. Evidently, that moment has arrived.”

Simon’s previous album of original compositions, This Kind of Love, debuted in 2008, followed by her 2009 hybrid release Never Been Gone. She emphasized that immersing herself in creative work provided structure to unpredictable days, proving that an illness can alter one’s circumstances without defining one’s entire identity.

Acknowledging the frustrations and vulnerabilities inherent in adapting to a chronic condition, she expressed profound gratitude toward her children, relatives, friends, and medical caregivers. “I continue to write, dream, sing, and occasionally find myself comfortably trapped in a deep armchair,” she shared.

“I wanted to address this directly to express my sincere appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of concern from supporters,” she concluded. “My pace may be slower now, and I rely on others more than I once did, accepting that each day brings unique challenges. Even so, I am still very much here.”

Comprising 12 tracks crafted primarily at her Martha’s Vineyard residence, Comes in Waves is scheduled for release on August 14. The project features collaborations with her late friend and rapper John Forté, alongside contributions from her children, Ben Taylor and Sally Taylor—the latter of whom designed the album artwork and contributed guest vocals. A secondary single, “Peaches,” drops on Friday, July 31.

Leave a Comment

Source