Carly Simon Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis
Singing legend Carly Simon, 83, said she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle control. In a statement to the BBC she described the condition as “unpredictable” and said that some days leave her exhausted while other days offer more mobility and a sense of normalcy.
“I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working,” Simon added, noting that she remains active in her music career. She also revealed a recent surgery to remove a cancerous growth on her face, a procedure that has heightened her self‑consciousness.
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, with about 153,000 people living with it in the UK alone. Michael O’Brien, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, explained that the disease gradually erodes dopamine‑producing neurons, leading to tremor, stiffness and difficulty with movement.
An Album for August
Despite her health challenges, Simon announced that her new album, titled Comes In Waves, will be released in August 2026. The first single, “Howl,” dropped last month and showcases her willingness to comfort a friend after a breakup. The album promises themes of love, memory and self‑revelation while allowing room for the ambiguities that come with aging and illness.
Simon’s 1970s‑era sound blends piano‑driven pop with candid storytelling. Her iconic songs—“You’re So Vain,” “Why” and “Coming Around Again”—have earned her a place as one of the industry’s most emotionally honest songwriters.
In her statement, Simon reflected on the support of family, friends and caregivers, saying, “These days I move more slowly, I lean on others more than I once did, and I have learned to accept that every day will look a little different. But I am still very much here.”
