Carly Simon recently shared significant news regarding her health, disclosing that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In addition, she has undergone treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
On Monday, July 27, the renowned singer, celebrated for her iconic 1972 hit “You’re So Vain,” addressed fans through a statement to People. In it, she expressed gratitude for the concerned inquiries about her well-being and explained, “The reality is, I have been navigating life with Parkinson’s disease.
“Adjusting to the diagnosis has taken time, and deciding how much to share was not easy,” Simon continued. “The disease affects individuals differently, leading to a variety of experiences. Some days, the exhaustion makes it hard to start my day. Other times, I enjoy periods of more energy, allowing me to remain active and feel like myself.”
At 83, Simon reflected on the path to her diagnosis, initially attributing her mobility challenges to “arthritis in both knees and one hip,” which had resulted in three joint replacement surgeries. “I thought my struggles with walking were simply an ironic part of recovery,” she explained. “Yet, as my movement declined, I needed help standing from low seating without assistance.”
An “extensive evaluation” at the Mayo Clinic ultimately revealed the Parkinson’s diagnosis. During this challenging time, Simon also managed treatment for basal cell carcinoma on her face, contributing to heightened self-consciousness about appearing in public.
“Between my mobility issues, the Parkinson’s diagnosis, the surgery, and the emotional effects of it all, withdrawing from public view was the most palatable reaction,” Carly noted. “If a person is allowed to hibernate during both winter and summer, then I have become an all-season bear. But I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working.”
The Grammy Award winner reiterated that she’s still writing and singing and thanked her friends, family members and medical professionals for their support.