Joan Baez, 85, Admits ‘I Don’t Like My Wrinkles’ While Revealing if She Would Undergo Plastic Surgery

Joan Baez Reflects on Ageing, Self-Care, and Forgiveness in Recent Podcast Interview

In a candid conversation on the “Wiser Than Me” podcast hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, renowned singer-songwriter Joan Baez shared her contemplations on growing older and the importance of self-care. At 85, Baez displayed both wisdom and vulnerability as she navigated the highs and lows of ageing during the episode aired on 27th May.

Baez expressed that although she acknowledges the wisdom that comes with age, she still grapples with the physical effects of time, particularly her wrinkles. “I probably feel like I’m in my 70s,” she noted, highlighting a sentiment that resonates with many as they confront the realities of getting older. “There’s the best part, and there’s a difficult part,” she remarked, striking a balance that encapsulates the dual nature of ageing.

The revered folk singer revealed that the advantages of her age include a profound accumulation of experiences, emotions, and connections over the years. “You earn something in those years,” she said, reflecting on the depth of life’s lessons learned. However, she contrasted this with her reluctance to embrace her changing appearance, noting, “I don’t like my wrinkles. Some women say, ‘Oh, I’ve made friends with my wrinkles.’ I really haven’t.”

When asked about the possibility of cosmetic surgery, Baez remained candid. She confessed to the occasional fantasy of youthful features reflected in the mirror but ultimately dismissed the idea of altering her appearance through surgical means. “I changed my mind” about potential procedures, highlighting a pragmatic acceptance of her look, which seems to resonate with her outlook on life.

Integral to Baez’s sense of well-being is her passion for dancing, which she identifies as a significant aspect of her self-care routine. She recalled a poignant encounter with a medium who reassured her of her purpose, stating, “the real reason the Lord put you on this earth was to dance.” This sentiment resonated deeply with Baez, who described dancing as a liberating force that allows her to transcend worries and experience joy.

While she does not dance daily, Baez explained that the impulse often arises spontaneously, ignited by music. “Once I have the music on, then I don’t have to think about what other exercise I’m going to do,” she shared. For Baez, dancing transforms into a joyful form of movement that enhances her spirit and serves as a natural outlet for expression.

Baez’s life has seen notable moments captured on screen, such as the 2023 documentary “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise,” which offers insights into her storied career. Additionally, she has been portrayed in the upcoming film “A Complete Unknown,” which chronicles the complex relationship she shared with fellow artist Bob Dylan, whose career she significantly propelled.

Their past relationship has long been a focal point of public interest, and Baez conveyed her journey towards forgiving Dylan for their youthful mistakes. “We were in our early 20s. We were stupid, and you can’t blame somebody forever,” she reflected, acknowledging the emotional burdens carried across decades. Baez has reached a point of “total forgiveness,” allowing her to move forward without lingering resentment.

In a world where the challenges of ageing often overshadow its benefits, Joan Baez’s reflections provide a refreshing perspective. Her embrace of the wisdom gained over the years, coupled with a light-hearted approach to her physical appearance, exemplifies the resilience and grace that can accompany the passage of time. Ultimately, Baez’s love for dancing serves not only as a source of joy but also as a means to navigate the complexities of life, reaffirming that even amid the inevitable changes, one can still find freedom and delight in the simplest of pleasures.