Carly Simon has shared the reason behind her years away from the public spotlight, revealing that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease while also recovering from treatment for skin cancer.
The legendary singer-songwriter said her health journey began with severe arthritis that required multiple knee and hip replacement surgeries. Although those procedures were successful, ongoing mobility problems led doctors to investigate further. After evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, she received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Simon said the neurological condition has brought daily uncertainty, with some days allowing her to remain active while others make even routine tasks more difficult. She also explained that surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from her face left her feeling self-conscious about appearing in public, adding another reason for her reduced public profile.
Despite those challenges, Simon says she has remained focused on her creative work. She credits music with providing structure, inspiration and hope during an especially difficult period in her life.
That determination will soon be reflected in Comes in Waves, her first collection of original songs in more than 15 years. The album is scheduled for release on August 14 and marks a significant milestone in a career that has produced enduring classics such as “You’re So Vain,” “Anticipation” and “Nobody Does It Better.”
While acknowledging that life now moves at a different pace, Simon says she continues to embrace her work and remains committed to creating new music, offering fans an inspiring message of resilience alongside her long-awaited return.
