Carly Simon has broken her long public silence with a health update: the Grammy-winning singer says she has Parkinson’s disease and was recently treated for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, on her face.
The 83-year-old “You’re So Vain” singer shared the news in a personal statement on July 27, addressing years of fan speculation about her absence from public life.
What Carly Simon Said About Her Diagnosis
Simon explained that she had been processing the news for some time before deciding to speak publicly. She described Parkinson’s as unpredictable, some days leave her too exhausted to function, while others give her enough clarity to think, move, and feel more like herself.
The disorder, which has no cure, is a progressive condition affecting movement and coordination, most often diagnosed in people over 60.
The Skin Cancer Surgery That Changed Her Confidence
Around the same time as her Parkinson’s diagnosis, Simon also underwent surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from her face. While the procedure successfully treated the cancer, it left visible changes that made her uneasy about being seen in public, a twist she acknowledged carries some irony, given that she’s the writer behind an anthem about vanity.
Between the mobility struggles, the diagnosis, the surgery, and the emotional toll of it all, Simon said retreating from the spotlight simply felt like the easiest path forward.
She Hasn’t Stopped Making Music
Despite the health setbacks, Simon revealed she’s been working on new material. Her upcoming album, Comes in Waves, her first in nearly two decades, is set for release on August 14. She’s described the recording process as something that gave her days structure and purpose, even when illness made everything else harder to plan around.
Simon’s career spans more than fifty years and includes two Grammy wins and an Oscar for “Let the River Run,” featured in 1988’s Working Girl.
FAQs
Does Carly Simon have Parkinson’s disease?
Yes. Simon confirmed in a July 27 statement that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and has been privately adjusting to the news for some time.
Did Carly Simon have skin cancer?
Yes. She was treated for basal cell carcinoma, a common and highly treatable form of skin cancer, removed from her face around the same time as her Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Is Carly Simon still making music?
Yes. She’s recording a new album, Comes in Waves, scheduled for release on August 14 — her first new album in almost 20 years.
How old is Carly Simon?
Carly Simon is 83 years old.
Parkinson’s has no cure but is manageable with treatment, and basal cell carcinoma, while cancer, has a high cure rate when caught and removed early, context that keeps this update from reading as more alarming than it is.
