In brief
Carly Simon, 83, says she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is "learning how to live" with the unpredictable condition. She describes the physical and emotional challenges she faces, while keeping her creative output alive. Simon also opened up about a recent surgery that removed a facial cancer growth and expressed gratitude for her support network. Despite the illness, she announced a new album, "Comes In Waves," scheduled for release in August 2026, and released its first single, "Howl." The story highlights the growing impact of Parkinson’s disease in the UK and underscores the resilience that can accompany a public illness.
Carly Simon, 83, confirmed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis at a BBC interview. She said she is "learning how to live" with the unpredictable progression of the condition, which leaves her sometimes exhausted and other times better able to move and think. The singer‑songwriter emphasized that she has not stopped living or working.
Simon revealed a recent surgery that removed a cancerous growth on her face, saying it made her more self‑conscious in public and gave her "new material" for her inner critic. She noted that Parkinson’s can bring anxiety, depression and periods of apathy—she described them as a strange, almost passive state where she feels no urge to act.
Parkinson’s is now the fastest‑growing neurological condition worldwide, with an estimated 153,000 people in the UK affected. Despite her diagnosis, Simon has announced a new album, Comes In Waves, set for release in August 2026, and released the first single, "Howl," last month.
In her release, Simon invited fans to understand how she copes: "I am still writing, singing, imagining, laughing, worrying, remembering, and occasionally getting trapped in an overstuffed chair. I am deeply grateful to my children, family, friends and medical professionals for their love and patience."
The artist has spoken openly about her journey from arthritis in her knees and hips to a diagnosis after extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic. She highlighted the importance of support from her loved ones and caregivers in navigating the day‑to‑day reality of Parkinson’s. Simon expressed that her mission remains to produce music that explores themes of love, memory and forgiveness, while acknowledging the reality of her changing body.
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