Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis

Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis

Carly Simon, the iconic singer-songwriter renowned for her work during the 1970s and 1980s, has publicly revealed her diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. At 83 years old, Simon described the unpredictable nature of the illness, sharing, “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.” Despite the challenges, she emphasized her determination to continue living fully and maintaining her artistic output.

Her health journey began with arthritis affecting her knees and hip, leading to several joint replacement surgeries that unfortunately did not restore her mobility as hoped. Simon recounted, “I had trouble standing up from low chairs and deep couches without someone offering me an arm,” elaborating on how simple furniture became difficult obstacles in her daily life. It was after an exhaustive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic that she received her Parkinson’s diagnosis. Alongside medication and treatment, she experiences episodes of anxiety, depression, and especially apathy—an unusual symptom she described poignantly as “the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life has temporarily misplaced the guest list.”

In addition to her neurological condition, Simon recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth from her face. She admitted that the procedure affected her self-image, making her “more self-conscious about being seen in public,” while humorously reflecting on her long-standing self-critical nature. “I have always been more critical of my appearance than anyone else could possibly imagine (check out the irony of having written You’re So Vain),” she remarked.

Looking ahead, Simon shared plans for a new album titled *Comes In Waves*, scheduled for release in August 2026. The lead single, “Howl,” which debuted last month, showcases her distinctive contralto voice and presents a compassionate message to a friend navigating a breakup. The album will explore themes familiar to her work, such as love, memory, family, self-reflection, and forgiveness, while embracing emotional complexity. Throughout her career, Simon has been celebrated for emotionally candid songs like “You’re So Vain,” which notably included references to actor Warren Beatty among others, with the true identities of the subjects famously auctioned off in 2003.

In closing, Simon addressed her feelings about Parkinson’s, saying, “It is neither [a gift or a blessing]. It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening. I am still learning how to live with it and how to accept it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential.” She expressed gratitude for the support she receives from her family, friends, caregivers, and medical team, acknowledging that while her days now vary greatly and require more reliance on others, she remains resilient. “But I am still very much here,” she affirmed

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More