Carly Simon, the renowned singer-songwriter known for her hit songs, announced her diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in a statement made to Page Six. The announcement came as she addressed concerns from fans regarding her recent silence and absence from public life. At 83 years old, Simon shared that she has been learning to cope with the challenges posed by the illness, which can manifest differently for each individual. Her health issues began with arthritis, leading to multiple joint replacement surgeries, which subsequently resulted in mobility difficulties. After undergoing extensive evaluations at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, she received her Parkinson's diagnosis. Simon described the unpredictable nature of the disease, stating that it does not adhere to a schedule, making daily life challenging. Despite these struggles, she has continued to work on her music, with her new album, "Comes in Waves," set to release on August 14. This creative outlet has provided her with a sense of purpose and structure during difficult times. Simon also revealed that she underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, which affected her self-esteem and contributed to her decision to withdraw from the public eye. She expressed that the combination of her mobility issues, Parkinson's diagnosis, and the emotional toll of her health challenges has been difficult to navigate. However, she remains determined to accept her condition and continue living her life, albeit at a slower pace. Simon emphasized that while her daily experiences may vary, she is still very much present and engaged in her life and work.
