Singer-songwriter Carly Simon has announced her diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. After years of declining mobility, Simon shared her story in a statement released on Monday. Known for hits like “You’re So Vain” and “Nobody Does It Better,” the 83-year-old artist initially attributed her physical challenges to arthritis and prior joint replacement surgeries. Despite having one hip and both knees replaced, her mobility issues persisted.
Simon explained, “At times, I could not walk without considerable help.” Her family later identified a more serious underlying issue. Following an in-depth evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, doctors diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease.
Simon stated she took time to process the diagnosis before speaking about it publicly. “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 expressed. “Parkinson’s is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable.”
Simon has encountered several symptoms of the disease, including overwhelming fatigue. She said, “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.” She has begun treatment with medication to alleviate stiffness and other related symptoms. Despite treatment, Parkinson’s remains erratic. Simon remarked, “There is no tidy or predictable schedule to the illness. It does not consult my calendar before deciding what kind of day I am going to have.”
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s affects movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, muscle stiffness, balance issues, and speech difficulties. While there is no cure, medications and therapies can help manage symptoms.
Simon also disclosed recent treatment for basal cell carcinoma on her face. Though successfully removed through surgery, the procedure altered her appearance and influenced her decision to withdraw from the public eye.
Despite these health challenges, Simon finds solace and purpose in music. She plans to release “Comes in Waves” on August 14, marking her first album of original songs since 2008. “It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life,” Simon reflected.
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