A New Chapter Amidst Health Challenges
Legendary singer-songwriter Carly Simon, 83, has publicly disclosed that she is living with Parkinson’s disease and has recently undergone surgery for basal cell carcinoma. The announcement, shared in a formal statement on July 27, 2026, provides a candid look at the challenges the Grammy-winning artist has faced following a period of relative withdrawal from the public eye.
Simon’s health journey began with chronic arthritis in her knees and one hip, which necessitated three separate joint replacement surgeries. However, as she navigated the recovery process, the artist experienced persistent mobility issues that prompted an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. It was there that she received the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease—a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and motor control.
The Role of Music as a Therapeutic Anchor
Describing the nature of the illness, Simon emphasized its unpredictability, noting that there is no “tidy or predictable schedule” to the condition. Beyond physical symptoms like stiffness and slowed movement, she spoke openly about the psychological toll, specifically mentioning feelings of apathy. “It is as though the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life has temporarily misplaced the guest list,” she remarked.
Amidst these challenges, Simon found solace in her craft. She revealed that the recording process for her upcoming album, Comes in Waves—set for release on August 14, 2026—served as a vital structure for her daily life. “Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape,” she said, characterizing music as a force that has “rescued” her throughout her career.
Navigating Public Visibility and Recovery
In addition to the Parkinson’s diagnosis, Simon disclosed that she underwent surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from her face. While the medical intervention was successful, the surgery left visible changes that contributed to her self-consciousness, influencing her decision to step back from public appearances. “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,” she explained.
Despite these hurdles, Simon remains supported by a close-knit circle of family and friends, including her children, Ben and Sally Taylor, whom she shares with her former husband, James Taylor. Simon expressed profound gratitude for their patience and the care provided by medical professionals, closing her statement with a resilient message: “I am still very much here.”