Carly Simon Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis at 83, Announces New Album 'Comes in Waves'

Carly Simon, the acclaimed singer-songwriter best known for her 1972 hit "You're So Vain," has publicly revealed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 83-year-old artist shared the news on Monday through a statement published by People magazine, addressing what she described as her recent silence.

"So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative silence, asking how I am and what I have been doing," Simon said. "The truth is, I've been learning how to live with Parkinson's disease."

The musician explained that coming to terms with the diagnosis has been a gradual process. "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," she continued. "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."

Understanding Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain. There is currently no cure for the condition, which commonly produces symptoms such as tremors, balance difficulties, and impaired movement. Each person's experience with the disease can vary significantly in terms of severity and day-to-day impact.

Simon offered a vivid description of what living with the condition feels like, distinguishing it from ordinary fatigue or melancholy. "It is not simply sadness or laziness," she said. "It is as though the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life has temporarily misplaced the guest list."

A Previous Health Challenge with Skin Cancer

In addition to her Parkinson's diagnosis, Simon disclosed that she had previously been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. She underwent surgery to have the cancer removed, but the procedure had lasting effects on her appearance.

"The cancer was removed, but the surgery affected my appearance and made me more self-conscious about being seen in public," Simon shared. The singer, known for her introspective and often self-aware songwriting, noted the irony of her situation given her most famous composition. "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."

New Music on the Way

Despite the health challenges she faces, Simon emphasized that she has neither stopped living nor stopped working. She is currently preparing a new album titled "Comes in Waves," which features songs and musical fragments she had set aside over the years.

"Music has always known when to arrive. It has rescued me more times that I can count," Simon said. "It is like a cat or dog that quietly appears beside you when it senses you are not quite yourself."

The album, she explained, draws from a collection of melodies, verses, and ideas that she had written down and tucked away, waiting for the right moment to be completed. "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," she said. "Apparently, that future is now."

Simon's career has spanned decades, with "You're So Vain" remaining one of the most enduring and widely discussed songs in popular music history. Her willingness to share her health journey publicly adds a new chapter to a life and career defined by candor and artistic depth.

For fans and admirers of Carly Simon, her openness about both her health struggles and her ongoing creative work stands as a testament to her resilience. If her story resonates with you, consider sharing this article with friends, family, or anyone who may find inspiration in her words and music.

Source: Variety