Carly Simon, the renowned singer-songwriter, revealed in July 2026 that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and has undergone surgery to treat basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. The 78-year-old musician expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support she receives from her children, Ben and Sally, as well as her family and friends. In a heartfelt statement, Simon noted, “Their love and patience have carried me through days when my own reserves were not enough.”
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Simon shares her two adult children, Ben and Sally, with her ex-husband, fellow musician James Taylor. Their daughter, Sarah Maria “Sally” Taylor, was born in January 1974, followed by their son, Benjamin Simon “Ben” Taylor, in January 1977. The couple married in 1972 but parted ways in 1983. After their separation, Taylor remarried Caroline “Kim” Smedvig-Taylor and welcomed two more children, twins Henry and Rufus.
Living in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, where she raised her children, Simon maintains a close-knit relationship with Ben and Sally. Referring to themselves as “CBS—Carly, Ben, Sally,” she has emphasised how much her children mean to her. In a previous interview, Simon stated, “There’s no one who can reach my soul like Sally and Ben can.”
Sally, now 52, has carved out her own identity as an artist and education activist. Despite her family’s musical legacy, Sally initially shied away from the spotlight until a dramatic near-fatal experience in Peru prompted her to pursue music. A small plane she was on crashed onto a highway, leading her to realize, “If I survive, I want to make music, and I want to have kids.” Following her recovery, she released her debut album, “Tomboy Bride,” in 1999, followed by two more albums in the subsequent years.
In addition to her musical career, Sally founded Consenses, an organisation aimed at making education more accessible through creative arts. “A way to bring all the arts, in their many forms, together under one roof,” she describes it as a method inspired by her family’s experiences with dyslexia, demonstrating how different perspectives can enrich education.
Sally remains deeply influenced by her mother’s artistry and has paid tribute to her in various ways, including the release of a heartfelt song titled “The Star That You Are” for Mother’s Day in May 2024. In an accompanying blog post, she acknowledged the challenge of growing up in the shadow of her famous parents, expressing appreciation for the space Simon created for her own artistic expression.
Ben Taylor, now 49, had different experiences growing up alongside his sister. Initially, he and Sally struggled with sibling rivalry, but a pivotal moment helped them develop a stronger bond. According to Simon, after a physical altercation, both children found empathy for one another, leading to a close relationship.
Like Sally, Ben initially hesitated to follow in his parents’ musical footsteps, fearing comparison to their success. However, he eventually embraced his calling and has since released six studio albums. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the tremendous influence of Simon and Taylor on his own musical aspirations, remarking on his mother’s encouragement and belief in his abilities.
Ben’s musical style incorporates elements of folk, blues, and pop, much like the music of his parents. He has built a reputation for his melodic compositions and heartfelt lyrics. In recent years, he has continued to perform and release new material, further establishing himself as an artist.
Both Sally and Ben Taylor serve as testaments to the enduring legacy of Carly Simon and James Taylor. Their paths, while marked by their parents’ fame, reflect their individual journeys and contributions to the world of music and education. As Carly faces her health challenges, the strong familial bonds fostered over the years provide her with a support system that is both loving and resilient.
Carly Simon’s openness about her health issues and the importance of family exemplifies the strength she has nurtured within her family, highlighting the deep connections that have defined their lives. As they support one another through life’s uncertainties, the Taylor family continues to inspire in both the artistic and personal realms.