Legendary American singer-songwriter Carly Simon has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, sharing an emotional message about the challenges of living with the progressive neurological condition while reaffirming her determination to continue creating music.
The 83-year-old musician, celebrated for timeless classics including You’re So Vain, Nobody Does It Better, and Coming Around Again, described the illness as “sometimes frightening” but said she remains committed to living life as fully as possible.
Simon explained that the disease has brought unpredictable changes to her daily life. While some days leave her exhausted and struggling with mobility, others allow her to continue writing, working, and enjoying moments of normality.
Her health journey began with arthritis in her knees and hip, leading to multiple joint replacement surgeries. However, when her mobility failed to improve, doctors carried out further medical examinations that ultimately resulted in a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
The singer also revealed that she recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth from her face. Although the procedure affected her appearance and temporarily made her feel self-conscious about appearing in public, Simon reflected on the experience with her trademark honesty and humour.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and muscle control. In addition to physical symptoms, Simon spoke openly about the emotional impact of the illness, describing periods of anxiety, depression, and apathy that have become some of the most difficult aspects of her condition.
Despite these challenges, Simon stressed that her passion for music remains unchanged. She confirmed that she is continuing to write and record songs and is preparing to release her new album, Comes In Waves, later this year. The project explores themes of love, memory, family, forgiveness, and personal reflection, demonstrating that her creative voice remains as strong as ever.
Throughout her career, Carly Simon has been recognised as one of the defining singer-songwriters of the 1970s and 1980s. Her emotionally honest lyrics, distinctive voice, and timeless songwriting have influenced generations of musicians and earned her a lasting place in popular music history.
In sharing her diagnosis publicly, Simon expressed deep gratitude to her family, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals for supporting her throughout her journey. While acknowledging the daily challenges of Parkinson’s disease, she made it clear that she refuses to let the condition define her.
Her message ends on a note of resilience and hope: although life has slowed down and become more unpredictable, she continues to write, sing, imagine, and embrace each day, proving that her creativity and determination remain undiminished.
