Carly Simon Gives Rare Insight into How Divorce from James Taylor Affected Their Kids in New Song

**Carly Simon Reflects on Divorce in New Album, Shares Personal Struggles**

Carly Simon’s latest album, *Comes in Waves*, marks her return to original music after an 18-year hiatus, and it includes a poignant track that sheds light on her past marital struggles. In the song “Mother of Pearl,” Simon candidly expresses her feelings surrounding her divorce from fellow musician James Taylor and how it has affected their two children, Sally and Ben.

The song, released on August 14, features heartfelt lyrics directly addressing her daughter, now 52. Simon begins with, “Sally, oh, Sarah, another song with your name,” which sets a deeply personal tone for the track. She reflects on their family dynamics during her separation from Taylor and the impact this had on her children. Notably, she recalls Sally’s young experiences: “I can see you at 7, a child of divorce / How can it be that we gave you no choice? / It was your job and Ben’s to drown out all the noise.”

Carly Simon and James Taylor were wed for over a decade, from 1972 until their divorce in 1983. Together, they welcomed two children: daughter Sally, and son Ben, now 49. Following their split, Taylor remarried and had twin sons with his second wife, Caroline “Kim” Smedvig-Taylor.

*Comes in Waves* is an introspective collection of 12 tracks, created primarily at Simon’s studio in Martha’s Vineyard. The album revives both new compositions and revisits older songs that Simon felt compelled to complete. It is her first studio album since *This Kind of Love* in 2008.

In an unexpected twist, Simon also revealed in July that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, alongside undergoing treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. This disclosure adds a layer of vulnerability to her already deeply personal album, prompting fans to connect with her struggles on a more intimate level.

Carly Simon has remained largely out of the public eye in recent years, but one of her last appearances was in 2019 at SiriusXM Studios in New York City, where she promoted her memoir, *Touched by the Sun: My Friendship with Jackie*. This work explored her relationship with the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Simon has not performed publicly since a concert in March 2018, which was part of the 31st Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert & Gala at Carnegie Hall.

Simon has always maintained a close relationship with her children, both of whom are pursuing musical careers. Recently, Sally has taken to honouring her mother through her own artistic expression. In May 2024, she unveiled a heartfelt song titled “The Star That You Are” on Mother’s Day, reflecting on Simon’s influence in her life. In a blog post accompanying the release, Sally conveyed the challenges of growing up with such a prominent figure in the music industry. She acknowledged how Simon always made room for her personal expression: “Mama always had an uncanny way of making space for my cacophonies amidst her own symphonies.”

As Carly Simon navigates her diagnosis and personal trials, *Comes in Waves* not only serves as a testament to her enduring musical talent but also opens a window into the complexities of family, love, and healing. This album marks a significant chapter in her storied career, showcasing her strength and resilience as both a mother and an artist. Fans and newcomers alike are invited to listen to these deeply personal reflections that continue to shape Simon’s legacy in the music world.