Carly Simon has disclosed that she is living with Parkinson’s disease and was also treated for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. The 83-year-old singer explained that the health challenges contributed to her long absence from public appearances and regular musical activity.
Simon said Parkinson’s affected her mobility, energy and emotional well-being, while facial cancer surgery made her more self-conscious about appearing publicly. She emphasized that she had not stopped living or working and announced a new studio album, Comes in Waves, scheduled for release in August 2026.
Carly Simon Notices Mobility Problems
Simon said her difficulties became more apparent while recovering from knee and hip replacement procedures related to arthritis. Even after those surgeries, she sometimes required considerable help walking and struggled with ordinary movement. Her family recognized that the symptoms suggested something beyond orthopedic recovery, eventually leading to further medical evaluation and a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Carly Simon Describes Parkinson’s Effects
Simon explained that Parkinson’s affected more than movement. She experienced anxiety, depression, exhaustion and periods of apathy that made it difficult to begin activities she normally valued. Her description highlighted that the condition can create emotional and motivational challenges alongside physical symptoms. Her experience is personal and should not be treated as an identical medical pattern for everyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Carly Simon Undergoes Skin Cancer Surgery
Simon was treated surgically for basal cell carcinoma on her face. She said the procedure successfully addressed the cancer but left changes that affected her confidence about being photographed or seen publicly. Basal cell carcinoma is often treatable, but Simon’s account focused on the emotional impact of facial surgery as well as the medical outcome.
Carly Simon Steps Away From Public Life
Parkinson’s symptoms, repeated surgeries and cancer treatment made concerts, travel and public promotion more difficult. Simon’s absence was therefore connected with health and recovery rather than a loss of interest in music. She continued working privately, returning to unfinished melodies and lyrics when her energy allowed, even though audiences rarely saw that creative activity.
Carly Simon Finds Purpose in Music
Simon said music helped give direction to days affected by fatigue or apathy. Creating did not cure Parkinson’s or replace medical treatment, but it offered emotional structure and a reason to remain engaged. She also credited family members, friends and medical professionals for helping her adapt to a life that now moves at a different and less predictable pace.
Carly Simon Announces Comes in Waves
Comes in Waves is Simon’s first full studio album in 16 years and is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026. She developed the record with David Spencer and drew on musical ideas accumulated over time. The album also includes work involving the late John Forté, giving the project personal significance beyond its role as a professional comeback.
Carly Simon Moves Forward Honestly
Simon did not describe herself as having defeated Parkinson’s, which remains a progressive condition requiring continued management. Her message was about adaptation rather than a simple recovery story. By revealing both diagnoses, she explained her absence, acknowledged the difficult days and showed that meaningful creative work could continue alongside illness and medical care.
Featured Image: By Alan Light → https://www.flickr.com/photos/alan-light/210255316/ – This image has been extracted from another file, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18010832
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