Carly Simon reveals Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and skin cancer treatment

Carly Simon, the Grammy-winning singer whose 1970s hit “You’re So Vain” remains a cultural touchstone, has publicly revealed her diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease and basal cell carcinoma, detailing the challenges she has faced in recent years. The 83-year-old artist, known for her introspective songwriting and iconic voice, shared her experiences in a statement released on July 27, 2026, explaining how the conditions have reshaped her life and inspired her to return to music after a prolonged absence.

Simon’s statement, first reported by The Associated Press and shared widely across media outlets, described her journey with Parkinson’s, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can lead to tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. She revealed that her health struggles began with arthritis in her hip and knees, which led to multiple joint replacement surgeries. Despite these procedures, her mobility continued to decline, prompting an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic. There, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a condition she described as “unpredictable” and “difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening.”

“Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself,” she wrote. The disease, which affects an estimated 1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide, has no cure, though treatments such as medication and physical therapy can help manage symptoms. Simon emphasized that the illness does not follow a “tidy or predictable schedule,” often disrupting her daily routines without warning.

Simon also disclosed that she was treated for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, on her face. The surgery, while successful in removing the cancer, left her self-conscious about her appearance. “I have always been more critical of my appearance than anyone else could possibly imagine,” she wrote, noting the irony of the situation given her own lyrics about vanity. The emotional toll of the diagnosis and treatment, combined with her mobility issues, led her to step back from public life. “Withdrawing from public view was the most palatable reaction,” she said, comparing herself to an “all-season bear” retreating from the world.

Despite these challenges, Simon has found solace in music. She is set to release “Comes in Waves,” her first album of original songs since 2008, on August 14. The project, she explained, became a refuge during her health struggles. “Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape,” she wrote. “It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room.” The album, she added, reminded her that illness “can change your life without becoming the whole of your life.”

Simon’s career spans over five decades, marked by hits like “Nobody Does It Better,” the theme song for the 1977 James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me,” and her 1972 album *No Secrets*, which included “You’re So Vain.” She has also been recognized with two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for her song “Let the River Run” from the 1988 film *Working Girl*. Her decision to address her health publicly comes after years of relative seclusion, including her absence from the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony following the deaths of her sisters.

In her statement, Simon acknowledged the emotional and physical weight of her diagnoses but stressed her determination to continue creating. “I am still learning how to live with it and how to accept it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential,” she wrote. She also expressed gratitude to her caregivers, family, and children, Ben and Sally Taylor, whom she shares with her ex-husband, James Taylor.

As she prepares to share her new music, Simon’s openness about her health underscores a broader conversation about aging, resilience, and the intersection of personal struggle with artistic expression. Her story, like her music, reflects a complex interplay of vulnerability and strength, offering a glimpse into the quiet persistence of a performer who continues to find meaning in her craft despite life’s uncertainties.