Carly Simon has shared a significant health update, disclosing that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and has also undergone treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. The 83-year-old singer, best known for her 1972 hit 'You're So Vain,' issued a statement to People on Monday, July 27.
In her statement, Simon said: "So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative silence, asking how I am and what I have been doing. The truth is, I've been learning how to live with Parkinson's disease."
Parkinson's Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment
Simon recalled that her journey began with "arthritis in both knees and one hip," leading to three joint replacement surgeries. "I assumed my difficulty walking was simply an unfortunate and rather ironic part of the recovery process," she continued. "But my mobility continued to worsen. I had trouble standing up from low chairs and deep couches without someone offering me an arm."
After an "extensive evaluation" at the Mayo Clinic, she received the Parkinson's diagnosis. During the same period, she was treated for basal cell carcinoma on her face, which made her "more self-conscious about being seen in public."
Life with Parkinson's
Simon described the unpredictability of the condition: "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."
She acknowledged the challenges, saying: "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. 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."
Continued Creativity
The Grammy-winning artist emphasized that she is still writing and singing, expressing gratitude toward her friends, family, and medical professionals for their support. The statement comes after months of public speculation about her health.
