NEW YORK – Renowned singer Carly Simon recently shared that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and has also undergone treatment for skin cancer. This announcement was made in a heartfelt statement to The Associated Press.
In her message, Simon expressed gratitude for the numerous inquiries about her well-being, stating, “The truth is, I’ve been learning how to live with Parkinson’s disease.” At 83 years old, she has faced significant health challenges, including arthritis in her hips and knees that required surgery, which, unfortunately, did not fully restore her mobility.
After experiencing unexplained mobility issues, Simon sought help at the Mayo Clinic, where she received her Parkinson’s diagnosis. She explained, “My family and I knew that something more was going on.” Living with Parkinson’s can be unpredictable, as she described: “Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself.”
Parkinson’s disease affects nearly 1 million people in the United States and around 10 million worldwide, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. It primarily impacts those over the age of 60, though early-onset cases do occur. The illness is characterized by tremors, slow movement, and balance issues, resulting from the deterioration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, various treatments are available, such as medications that help manage symptoms and therapies that improve mobility and quality of life. Simon shared that she has started treatment, including medications to alleviate stiffness. She noted, “It does not consult my calendar before deciding what kind of day I am going to have.”
In addition to Parkinson’s, Simon also underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer, which made her more self-conscious about her appearance in public. Despite these challenges, she finds solace in music and is set to release a new album titled “Comes in Waves” on August 14, her first collection of original songs since 2008. Simon mentioned, “Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape.”
Through her experiences, Simon emphasizes that while illness can alter one’s life, it does not have to define it entirely. She continues to inspire many with her resilience and creativity as she navigates these health challenges.
