Carly Simon Discloses Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon, 83, confirmed on Monday that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In a statement she said it took time to understand the diagnosis and to decide how much to share publicly, adding that she is learning to accept the condition without feeling she has surrendered something essential.

Simon explained that she chose to speak out after noticing increased public curiosity about her recent low profile. She noted that the diagnosis came after an evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, following joint replacement surgeries for arthritis.

"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," she said.

She described periods of extreme fatigue as well as moments when the disease provided "more room to move, think, work and feel like myself." Simon also disclosed that she underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma on her face, which has made her more self-conscious about appearing in public.

Despite the health challenges, Simon said working on her upcoming album, "Comes in Waves," scheduled for release next month, has given her a focus and a sense of purpose. "Music has rescued me more times than I can count," she added, noting that she now leans on others more and accepts that each day may differ, but she remains present.