Carly Simon has publicly disclosed her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, sharing the news with fans in a heartfelt letter posted on July 27. The 83-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee explained that she has been “learning how to live with Parkinson’s disease” and said the illness is “different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable.”
The letter reveals that Simon’s mobility problems began with arthritis in both knees and one hip, which led to three joint-replacement surgeries. Over time, her walking worsened, and she eventually required a comprehensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, where doctors confirmed Parkinson’s. She began medication to help with stiffness and other symptoms but cautioned that “Parkinson’s does not consult my calendar before deciding what kind of day I am going to have.”
Alongside the diagnosis, Simon acknowledged recent treatment for basal cell carcinoma on her face. The cancer was removed, though the surgery left her more self-conscious about appearance. “I have always been more critical of my appearance than anyone else could possibly imagine,” she wrote, adding a wry nod to her iconic “You’re So Vain.”
A New Album Arrives After Nearly 20 Years
The letter also served as the backdrop for Simon’s announcement of her first new album in almost two decades. Comes in Waves drops on August 14 and was recorded at her longtime Martha’s Vineyard home, produced by Paul Samwell-Smith. Her children, Ben and Sally Taylor, appear on the record, and Sally created the album cover.
The lead single, “Howl,” is already out. Simon described the songs as melodies and fragments that had been “tucked away for some unknown future when I would have the time and attention to finish them.” That future, she said, is now.
“I am still writing, singing, imagining, laughing, worrying, remembering, and occasionally getting trapped in an overstuffed chair.”
Simon was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, more than 26 years after first becoming eligible. Her catalog includes classics like “You’re So Vain,” “Anticipation,” and “Nobody Does It Better.”
FAQ
What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous-system disorder that affects movement, often causing stiffness, tremors, and balance issues. It can also bring anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and apathy.
Why did Carly Simon withdraw from public view? She cited mobility issues, the Parkinson’s diagnosis, facial skin-cancer surgery, and the emotional toll of those events, writing that she became “an all-season bear” before deciding to speak out.
When does Comes in Waves come out? Comes in Waves arrives on August 14, 2026.
Why It Matters
Carly Simon’s disclosure cuts through the usual social-media gloss by offering an unvarnished, humorous, and deeply human account of aging in the public eye. By coupling the diagnosis with new music, she turns vulnerability into creative momentum. Rolling Stone captured her exact statement, confirming both the medical updates and the album details. Fans can expect the same candid voice that shaped Boys in the Trees and No Secrets to carry through Comes in Waves.
