Carly Simon Announces Parkinson's Diagnosis and Recent Cancer Treatment
The 83-year-old singer disclosed that she has Parkinson's disease and recently underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, while also preparing to release a new album.
Singer Carly Simon, 83, confirmed she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and recently received treatment for basal cell carcinoma on her face. In a statement to the Associated Press, Simon said she had been dealing with arthritis that required joint replacements and that a Mayo Clinic evaluation revealed the neurological condition.
"The truth is, I’ve been learning how to live with Parkinson’s disease," the statement read.
She explained that the diagnosis took time to process and that the disease varies day to day, sometimes leaving her exhausted and other times allowing her to function more normally. Simon added that she has begun medication to manage stiffness and other symptoms.
"There is no tidy or predictable schedule to the illness. It does not consult my calendar before deciding what kind of day I am going to have," she said.
Simon also disclosed that she underwent surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma, noting that the procedure altered her appearance and increased her self-consciousness about public appearances.
Despite the health challenges, she said working on music has helped structure her days and keep her outlook balanced. Simon announced that her new album, "Comes in Waves," will be released on August 14, marking her first collection of original songs since 2008.