Carly Simon Reveals Parkinson’s Disease and Skin Cancer Diagnoses

The Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Physical Challenges

In a statement released on Monday, July 27, Carly Simon addressed her recent "relative silence" by revealing her struggle with two major health issues. The Pop Rock singer, who is identified as 81 years old in some reports and 83 in others, shared that she has been learning to live with Parkinson’s disease following a period of deteriorating mobility. She initially mistook her symptoms for a slow recovery from arthritis-related surgeries.

Simon explained that her problems began with arthritis in both knees and one hip. After having all three joints replaced with what she described as "delicate bouquets of metal and plastic," she assumed her difficulty walking was simply a part of the recovery process. However, as she began to experience trouble standing from chairs and required assistance to walk, she sought an evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, where she received the formal diagnosis.

"The truth is, I’ve been learning how to live with Parkinson’s disease. It has taken me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it, and to decide how much I wanted to say about it publicly. Parkinson’s is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable. 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."

— Carly Simon

The singer detailed the unpredictable nature of the illness, noting that it does not consult her calendar when deciding what kind of day she will have. She specifically highlighted the psychological toll of Parkinson’s, particularly a sense of apathy that she found difficult to explain to others.

"The apathy is particularly strange. You can find yourself lying there like a starfish drying in the sun, arms pointing in all directions, while nothing inside is telling you to get up, read, watch, write, sing, call someone, or do much of anything at all. That has been one of the hardest things to explain. It is not simply sadness or laziness. It is as though the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life has temporarily misplaced the guest list."

— Carly Simon

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 1.1 million people in the U.S. live with the disorder, which can include tremors, stiffness, and balance issues, as well as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Skin Cancer Surgery and Public Withdrawal

During the same period, Simon was treated for basal cell carcinoma on her face. According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of skin cancer originates in the basal cells and typically occurs in areas with high sun exposure. While the cancer was successfully removed, the surgery affected Simon’s appearance and intensified her self-consciousness.

"I have always been more critical of my appearance than anyone else could possibly imagine (check out the irony of having written ‘You’re So Vain.’), and this gave my inner critic quite a lot of new material."

— Carly Simon

The combination of the Parkinson's diagnosis, the physical fallout of surgery, and the emotional impact led Simon to retreat from the public eye. She described her reaction as a form of "hibernation."

"Between my mobility issues, the Parkinson’s diagnosis, the surgery, and the emotional effects of it all, withdrawing from public view was the most palatable reaction. If a person is allowed to hibernate during both winter and summer, then I have become an all-season bear."

— Carly Simon

New Music: Comes in Waves

Despite her health challenges, Simon confirmed that she has not stopped working. Her new 12-track album, titled Comes in Waves, is scheduled for release on August 14. Recorded primarily at her home in Martha’s Vineyard, the project features contributions from her children, Ben Taylor and Sally Taylor. Sally Taylor also painted the album's cover art and provided vocals.

The album marks Simon's first collection of new material in many years. While one source notes it is her first new album in nearly 20 years, another states it is her first in 16 years, following her 2009 release Never Been Gone. Simon shared that the record consists of "songs and fragments" that had been stored away for a future time.

"Music has always known when to arrive. It has rescued me more times that I can count. It is like a cat or dog that quietly appears beside you when it senses you are not quite yourself. The album includes songs and fragments of songs that had been waiting for me, some for years. There were melodies, verses, and ideas written down and tucked away for some unknown future when I would have the time and attention to finish them. Apparently, that future is now."

— Carly Simon

The album was produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, according to some reports, while others credit David Spencer as co-writer and producer. The project also features the late rapper and producer John Forté, a longtime friend of Simon. The lead single, "Howl," is currently available, with a second single, "Peaches," scheduled for release on Friday, July 31.

Induction and Continued Creative Work

Simon, who was born in 1943, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, twenty-six years after she first became eligible. She recalled her surprise at the honor, noting that her first thought was that there must have been a mistake.

"There’s that first thought of, ‘I don’t believe it. It must be the House of Pancakes I just got into.’ Truly, I was dumbfounded. I thought they must be mistaken."

— Carly Simon

In her message to fans, Simon expressed deep gratitude for her family, friends, and medical team. She emphasized that while her life has changed, she remains committed to her creative work.

"I am still writing, singing, imagining, laughing, worrying, remembering, and occasionally getting trapped in an overstuffed chair. ... I wanted to share this now because so many people have reached out with genuine concern. I am touched by that concern, even when I have not known how to respond. These days I move more slowly, I lean on others more than I once did, and I have learned to accept that every day will look a little different. But I am still very much here."

— Carly Simon