Carly Simon reveals Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdv16umOsOU

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon has publicly shared that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, explaining that she decided to speak about her health after months of relative absence from the public eye.

Her diagnosis

In a statement, Simon said:

• She underwent an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic after experiencing worsening mobility despite multiple joint replacement surgeries for arthritis.

• She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and has been learning how to live with the condition.

• She described the disease as unpredictable, saying some days are much more difficult than others, while on other days she is able to work and feel more like herself.

Continuing to create

Despite her health challenges, Simon said she has not stopped making music. She credited songwriting with helping her through difficult days and announced the release of her first album of original material in many years, Comes in Waves.

Additional health update

Simon also revealed she recently underwent successful surgery for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, saying the procedure affected her appearance and contributed to her staying out of the spotlight.

About Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Common symptoms include:

• Tremors.

• Muscle stiffness.

• Slowed movement.

• Balance difficulties.

• Fatigue.

There is currently no cure, but medications, exercise, and other therapies can help manage symptoms. Diagnosis is typically based on a neurological examination and medical history rather than a single definitive test.

Bottom line

Carly Simon says she is still adapting to life with Parkinson's disease but remains optimistic and creatively active. She hopes that sharing her diagnosis will help explain her recent absence while reassuring fans that she continues to write music and move forward with treatment.