Carly Simon reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

Iconic singer-songwriter Carly Simon is gearing up for a major milestone: the release of her first new album in fourteen years. But this time, the story isn’t just about music; it’s about navigating life with a new reality, having bravely shared that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease.

In an open and honest statement, Simon revealed how this journey has shaped her. Amidst her diagnosis and subsequent treatment, she also underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma on her face, an experience that deepened her self-consciousness about her appearance.

“It took me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it, and to decide how much I wanted to share publicly,” she shared. “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.”

The physical challenges began with arthritis in her knees and hip, eventually leading to three replacement surgeries. As mobility continued to decline, making simple tasks difficult, Simon faced worsening symptoms that prompted an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, where she received her Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Living with the condition meant dealing not just with physical tremors and balance issues, but with profound emotional shifts. She noted that the illness brings anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and apathy—a deep sense of inertia. Simon described this feeling vividly: “You can find yourself lying there like a starfish drying in the sun, arms pointing in all directions, while nothing inside is telling you to get up, read, watch, write, sing, call someone, or do much of anything at all.”

She reflected on the unpredictable nature of the illness, noting that it doesn’t consult her calendar before deciding what kind of day she will have. This unpredictable rhythm underscored a crucial realization: “Illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life.”

Adding to the complex emotional landscape, Simon also navigated facial surgery for basal cell carcinoma, which heightened her inner critic. Despite these physical and emotional hurdles, she refused to let them define her existence. She acknowledged that withdrawing from public view was a palatable reaction, yet she firmly stated, “I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working.”

In the midst of this transformative period, Simon turned to her art. She began recording her new album, Comes in Waves. Music became an anchor, giving shape to days that often lacked structure. It served as a quiet companion, reminding her that even when life changes drastically, creativity persists. For Simon, music arrived like a trusted friend, quietly sensing when she needed it most.

The album, which features melodies and fragments that had been waiting for her years, is now ready to arrive in August. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of an artist who continues to write, sing, imagine, and laugh, finding strength in her resilience and surrounded by the love of her family and caregivers.