Carly Simon opens up about her quiet fight with Parkinson’s and a health scare

Simon acknowledged that many fans and well-wishers had reached out over the years, curious about her extended absence from the spotlight and wondering how she had been doing.

Carly Simon, the celebrated singer-songwriter behind decades of hit records, has revealed she has been quietly living with Parkinson’s disease. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member shared that she has spent recent years recovering away from public attention, only now choosing to speak about what she has been going through.

Though she was diagnosed years ago, Simon explained that coming to terms with the condition took an emotional toll. In her account, she described how severe arthritis was actually the first warning sign that something was wrong, well before doctors identified Parkinson’s as the underlying cause.

She recalled reaching a point where walking became nearly impossible without significant assistance. That was when she and her family realized something more serious was happening. After undergoing thorough testing at the Mayo Clinic, she finally received her Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Simon acknowledged that many fans and well-wishers had reached out over the years, curious about her extended absence from the spotlight and wondering how she had been doing. She explained that the truth was simple, she had been quietly learning how to navigate life with the disease.

According to her, understanding the diagnosis and figuring out how much to share publicly took considerable time. She noted that Parkinson’s affects everyone differently and can be highly unpredictable. Some days leave her too exhausted to function normally, she said, while other days allow her more freedom to think, work, and feel like herself again.

Beyond the Parkinson’s diagnosis, the 83-year-old singer faced another health scare. She underwent surgery to remove cancer from her face, an experience that affected her confidence about being seen publicly.

Despite these challenges, Simon expressed gratitude for the support she’s received. She also shared some exciting news amid the health updates, revealing that she has been working on a new album titled “Comes in Waves.”

Simon’s openness about her health struggles offers a rare, personal look into what she has faced privately over the years, even as she continued creating music behind the scenes. Her willingness to speak candidly about both the physical and emotional dimensions of living with a chronic illness, alongside a separate cancer diagnosis, reflects a level of vulnerability not always seen from artists of her stature.

As she continues working on new material, fans are likely to feel reassured knowing she’s still creating, even while managing significant health challenges behind the scenes.