Carly Simon has revealed that she is living with Parkinson’s disease while recovering from successful surgery for skin cancer. In a letter shared with fans, the singer-songwriter explained that the condition has affected her movement, energy, motivation, and emotional health.
Simon said she first noticed continuing mobility problems while recovering from several knee and hip replacement procedures related to arthritis. After receiving a formal diagnosis, she began treatment and medication to manage the physical symptoms. She also described the anxiety, exhaustion, depression, and apathy that can accompany the disease.
During the same period, Simon underwent facial surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma. Although the procedure was successful, she said the change in her appearance made her more hesitant about being seen publicly.
Music has remained an important part of her daily life. Simon said working on songs helped bring structure to difficult days. Her upcoming album, Comes in Waves, includes ideas, melodies, and unfinished material collected over many years. The project arrives August 14 and marks her first album in 16 years.