Carly Simon Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis: ‘I Have Not Stopped Living’

Carly Simon has shared a personal update regarding her health. The 83-year-old singer-songwriter announced she is living with Parkinson’s disease. In a letter to her fans, Simon explained that she has spent time processing the diagnosis and adjusting to the unpredictable nature of the condition.

Simon noted that symptoms like stiffness, fatigue, and mobility challenges influenced her decision to withdraw from public life. Beyond the motor symptoms, she described the experience of apathy, which she characterized as a loss of the drive to participate in daily activities. During this same period, she underwent surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from her face, which added further strain to her recovery and self-image.

Despite these health challenges, Simon remains active in her creative work. She is set to release a new album titled Comes in Waves on August 14. This project marks her first collection of new material in nearly two decades. Recorded at her home in Martha’s Vineyard with producer Paul Samwell-Smith, the album features contributions from her children, Ben and Sally Taylor.

Simon described the recording process as a way to give structure to her days. She emphasized that while she does not view her illness as a gift, she continues to write and perform. Her message to fans serves as both an explanation for her recent silence and an affirmation that she is still present and engaged with her music.