Carly Simon Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Shares Impact on Her Life

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Carly Simon, renowned singer-songwriter known for hits like “You’re So Vain” and “Nobody Does It Better,” has disclosed her diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. After enduring years of worsening mobility, the 83-year-old artist opened up about her condition and its effects on her daily life in a statement released Monday.

Initially, Simon attributed her physical challenges to arthritis and recovery from numerous joint replacement surgeries. She underwent replacements in one hip and both knees. However, her mobility did not improve post-surgery. “At times, I could not walk without considerable help,” she stated. It became evident to her family that a more serious issue was underlying her symptoms.

Following a thorough evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, doctors diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease. Taking time to process the diagnosis, Simon explained, “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 emphasized that Parkinson’s is unique for each person and can be unpredictable.

Simon shared various symptoms she has encountered with this progressive neurological disorder. Fatigue has been especially challenging. “Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all,” she mentioned, though some days provide more freedom to function.

She has started treatment, including medication to alleviate stiffness and other symptoms. Yet, the disease remains inconsistent. “There is no tidy or predictable schedule to the illness,” she noted, pointing out its disregard for routine.

The Parkinson’s Foundation states that about 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease, a disorder affecting movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, stiffness, balance issues, and speech difficulties. While there is no cure, medications and therapies can help manage the symptoms.

Alongside her Parkinson’s diagnosis, Simon also revealed her recent treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. Although surgery successfully removed the cancer from her face, the procedure changed her appearance and influenced her decision to withdraw from the public eye.

Despite her health issues, 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,” she reflected.