Carly Simon has made a poignant revelation about her health journey, disclosing that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease amidst her ongoing battle with skin cancer. The 83-year-old singer-songwriter, best known for her iconic hit “You’re So Vain,” shared her experience in a recent statement obtained by PEOPLE.
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In the statement, Simon detailed the dual challenges she faced after undergoing surgery for basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. This procedure took place around the same time as her Parkinson’s diagnosis. While the cancer was successfully removed, the surgery left her feeling more self-conscious about her appearance and uncomfortable with public appearances. “The surgery affected my appearance and made me more self-conscious about being seen in public,” she explained.
Carly Simon, who has often been her own harshest critic, reflected on her experience with a blend of irony and vulnerability, referencing her well-known track. She acknowledged that her health struggles provided ample “new material” for her inner critic to dwell upon. Simon candidly remarked, “I have always been more critical of my appearance than anyone else could possibly imagine,” highlighting the emotional impact that her health issues have had on her.
The artist described her decision to withdraw from the public eye, likening herself to a “hibernate” during various seasons. “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 said. However, she emphasised that this retreat from the spotlight does not signify a cessation of her life or career. “I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working,” she asserted.
Simon offered insights into the nature of her conditions. Basal cell carcinoma typically appears as a lump or lesion on sun-exposed skin, while Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder impacting movement. Symptoms may include tremors, stiffness, and difficulties with balance. Despite the challenges, treatment options are available to manage the disease, though no cure currently exists.
Through her struggles, Simon found solace in her music. As she navigated her health concerns, she began work on her upcoming album, “Comes in Waves.” This project came to fruition during a time of uncertainty, and she expressed her deep connection to music as a source of strength. “Music has always known when to arrive. It has rescued me more times than I can count,” she reflected.
Simon revealed that she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s after experiencing arthritis in her knees and hip, leading to multiple joint replacements. Despite these surgeries, her mobility continued to decline, prompting an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic. She highlighted the ongoing struggle of living with Parkinson’s. “I do not consider Parkinson’s a gift or a blessing. It is neither. It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening,” she explained, underscoring the reality of her situation.
In a bid to explain her recent relative silence, Simon conveyed that she has been learning to adapt to her health condition. With a sense of resilience, she admitted, “I am still learning how to live with it and how to accept it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential.”
The singer-songwriter is preparing to release her latest album, “Comes in Waves,” which marks her first full-length collection of original material since 2008. As Simon reconnects with her artistry, she also finds comfort in her life on Martha’s Vineyard, where she lives with her two children, Sally and Ben, from her marriage to fellow musician James Taylor.
“Comes in Waves” is set to be released on August 14, and fans are eager to support Simon as she embarks on this new chapter in her illustrious career. Through bravery and creativity, Carly Simon illustrates that while illness can disrupt life, it need not define one’s existence.