Singer-songwriter Carly Simon has said she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, opening up about the daily reality of living with the progressive neurological condition. In a statement provided to BBC, the 83-year-old said the illness can shift sharply from day to day, affecting her energy, movement, and sense of self. Even so, Simon made clear that music and work remain part of her life. Her update arrives as interest builds around her next record, adding a major personal dimension to the return of one of pop's most distinctive voices.

Carly Simon Says She Is “Learning How to Live” With It

Simon described the condition in direct terms, writing: "It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening. I am still learning how to live with it and how to accept it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential," said Carly Simon according to BBC. She also said Parkinson's does not feel like "a gift or a blessing." The disorder affects the brain, nervous system, and muscle control, and Simon's account focused on its uneven progress. Some days, she said, leave her exhausted, while others allow more freedom to move, think, work, and feel more like herself.

Mobility Problems Led to Mayo Clinic Diagnosis

Her statement traced the first signs back to arthritis in both knees and one hip. After three replacement surgeries, her mobility still did not improve, pointing to a deeper issue. Simon described needing help to rise from low chairs and couches, and said there were periods when walking became extremely difficult. After extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, she received the Parkinson's diagnosis. She also spoke about the mental strain that can come with the illness, including anxiety, depression, and apathy, which she portrayed as one of the hardest symptoms to explain.

Face Surgery Added Another Health Challenge

Simon also disclosed that she recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth from her face. She said the procedure affected her appearance and made her more self-conscious about being seen in public. That admission added another layer to a statement already marked by candor and dry humor. Reflecting on her long-running sensitivity about her looks, she referenced one of her biggest hits while discussing her inner critic. The comment fit the sharp, self-aware voice that has long shaped her songwriting, now turned toward her own health struggles.

New Album Comes In Waves Arrives in August 2026

Despite these setbacks, Simon is still working. As reported by BBC, her new album Comes In Waves is due in August 2026, and the first single, Howl, was released last month. The song centers on consolation after heartbreak, with lyrics that urge a friend to cry out and let pain move through. The upcoming record is set to revisit themes that have run through Simon's catalog for decades, including love, memory, family, forgiveness, and self-reckoning. Her latest statement underlines that even during illness, her creative life has not stopped.