Carly Simon has announced she is living with Parkinson's disease, a condition she describes as unpredictable and sometimes frightening.

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon, 83, has publicly disclosed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In a statement provided to the BBC, Simon described the condition as an unpredictable challenge that affects her mobility and energy levels, while noting that she continues to write and record music despite the diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

Simon’s health concerns initially manifested as arthritis in her knees and a hip, but her mobility did not improve following three replacement surgeries. After experiencing difficulty standing from furniture and periods where she could not walk without assistance, she underwent an evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, where she received her Parkinson's diagnosis. She describes the condition as difficult and frustrating, noting that it brings episodes of anxiety, depression, and apathy, the latter of which she characterizes as a temporary inability to feel motivated to participate in daily activities. In addition to Parkinson's, Simon recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth on her face. She noted that the procedure affected her appearance, which she found challenging given her history of being self-critical.

Ongoing Career and New Music

Despite her health struggles, Simon continues to work and has announced a new album titled 'Comes In Waves,' scheduled for release in August 2026. The album's first single, 'Howl,' was released last month. Simon stated that she chose to share her diagnosis in response to inquiries from fans regarding her recent relative silence.