In brief
Carly Simon, a 1970s pop icon, publicly confirmed a Parkinson’s diagnosis in early 2026. She described the disease’s unpredictable fatigue and the emotional impact of her struggles. Despite health setbacks, Simon has completed a new studio album, “Comes In Waves,” scheduled for an August release. Her statement highlighted gratitude for family, caregivers and the music community, and her continued commitment to songwriting and performance. The announcement underscores the intersection of artistic resilience and chronic illness.
In a heartfelt statement released to the BBC, 83‑year‑old Carly Simon announced she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. “Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all,” she wrote, a stark contrast to the days she feels “little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself.”
Simon clarified that this condition is neither a gift nor a blessing. “It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening; I am still learning how to live with it without feeling like I’ve surrendered something essential,” she said. Still, she maintains, “I am still writing, singing, imagining, laughing, worrying, remembering, and occasionally getting trapped in an overstuffed chair.”
Her health journey began with arthritis in both knees and one hip, followed by three replacement surgeries that offered no lasting relief. After a series of tests at the Mayo Clinic, the diagnosis of Parkinson’s confirmed the underlying cause of her mobility issues.
In addition to neurological treatment, Simon recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth on her face—a procedure that left her more self‑conscious in public. She humorously noted that this new “inner‑critic” material “gives me quite a lot of new material.”
Against this backdrop, Simon has no plans to pause creative work. In May 2026 she announced her latest album, Comes In Waves, due in August. The lead single, “Howl,” released last month, showcases her lyrical steadiness as she comforts a friend after a breakup.
Simon expressed deep gratitude for her family, friends, caregivers, and the medical team that support her daily. “Every day will look a little different, but I am still very much here,” she concluded.
