Carly Simon reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis
The veteran singer‑songwriter has announced that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, describing the condition as a challenging and sometimes frightening journey. She said that some days she feels exhausted to the point of immobility, while other days she finds more space for movement, thought, work, and to feel like herself.
“I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working,” Simon added. She also disclosed that she recently underwent surgery to remove a cancer‑laden growth on her face that had altered her appearance. The operation left her more self‑conscious during public appearances, though she noted that she remains critical of her own image—a note of irony given the title of her famous song, “You’re So Vain.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting the brain, nervous system, and muscle control. With an estimated 153,000 sufferers in the UK, it is rapidly becoming the world’s fastest growing neurological disorder.
Simon has also shared that her early mobility issues began with arthritis in both knees and one hip, unrelieved after three joint replacements. After an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She is now on medication but continues to experience episodes of anxiety, depression, and apathy, describing the latter as a strange state where “you can find yourself lying there like a starfish drying in the sun” and lacking motivation to engage with activities.
In her statement she emphasized that Parkinson’s “is neither a gift nor a blessing. It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening. I am still learning how to live with it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential.” She thanked her family, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals for their love and patience during challenging days.
Despite her condition, Simon is continuing to write and release new music. She announced a new album, Comes In Waves, scheduled for August 2026, and released the single “Howl” last month, a track that offers comfort to a friend who recently endured a breakup.
The announcement came after she answered letters from fans who were curious about her health and recent activities. She stated that, “I am still writing, singing, imagining, laughing, worrying, remembering, and occasionally getting trapped in an overstuffed chair.”
As she advances in her career, Simon noted that she continues to live, work, and find meaning in her creative pursuits. Her resilience and openness about Parkinson’s offer a powerful example for both fans and health advocates.
Carly Simon, icon of 1970s pop, during a recent interview about her health condition.
