Carly Simon Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon has announced her diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. The 83-year-old musician, famous for hits like “You’re So Vain” and “Nobody Does It Better,” shared her recent health struggles in a statement released on Monday.

Simon initially attributed her physical difficulties to arthritis and the aftermath of multiple joint replacement surgeries, including one hip and both knees. Despite these surgeries, her mobility kept declining. “At times, I could not walk without considerable help,” she stated, indicating her family realized a more serious issue was present. Following a comprehensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, Simon received her Parkinson’s diagnosis.

In her statement, Simon explained her need to privately process the diagnosis before going public. “It has taken me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it, and to decide how much I wanted to say about it publicly,” she said. Parkinson’s disease presents differently for each person and can be unpredictable. Simon mentioned experiencing overwhelming fatigue as one of her primary symptoms. “Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all,” she shared. “On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself.”

Simon has begun treatment, including medication intended to alleviate stiffness and other symptoms. Despite treatment, she describes the disease as unpredictable. “There is no tidy or predictable schedule to the illness,” Simon commented. “It does not consult my calendar before deciding what kind of day I am going to have.”

The Parkinson’s Foundation states that approximately 1 million Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It is a neurological disorder that impacts movement, caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, muscle stiffness, balance issues, and speech difficulties. Although there is no cure, medications and therapy can help manage symptoms.

Additionally, Simon revealed she recently underwent treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer, on her face. While surgically removed, the procedure altered her appearance and influenced her decision to step back from the public eye.

Despite these health challenges, music continues to be a comfort and source of purpose for Simon. She is preparing to release a new album, Comes in Waves, on August 14, marking her first release of original songs since 2008. “It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life,” she reflected.

This is a developing story, and further updates are anticipated.