'Learning how to live with it': Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Here's what she said in her statement

Legendary singer-songwriter Carly Simon has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, sharing that she has spent time coming to terms with the progressive neurological disorder before speaking about it publicly.

In a statement released on Monday, reported by various publications, the 81-year-old singer said she had remained largely out of the public eye while adjusting to the diagnosis and learning to manage the condition.

"So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative silence, asking how I am and what I have been doing. The truth is, I've been learning how to live with Parkinson's disease," Simon said.


She added that it took time to understand the diagnosis, adapt to the changes it brought, and decide how much she wanted to share publicly.

Carly Simon says symptoms worsened after joint surgeries

Simon explained that her health issues initially appeared to be related to arthritis in both knees and one hip. After undergoing three joint replacement surgeries, she believed the difficulty she experienced while walking was part of the recovery process.

However, her mobility continued to decline.

"I had trouble standing up from low chairs and deep couches without someone offering me an arm," Simon said, adding that there were periods when she could not walk without considerable assistance.

Following an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, Simon said doctors diagnosed her with Parkinson's disease.

She has since started treatment, including medication to help manage stiffness and other symptoms.

'Parkinson's is different for everyone'

Describing her daily life with the condition, Simon said the disease can be unpredictable.

"Parkinson's is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable. 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 said.

Simon also spoke about experiencing apathy, describing it as one of the most difficult symptoms to explain.

"It is not simply sadness or laziness. It is as though the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life has temporarily misplaced the guest list," she said.

Carly Simon also underwent skin cancer treatment

Alongside her Parkinson's diagnosis, Simon revealed that she was treated for basal cell carcinoma on her face.

Although the cancer was successfully removed, she said the surgery affected her appearance and contributed to her decision to withdraw from public life.

"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.

New album 'Comes in Waves' to release in August

Despite her health challenges, Simon said she continued working on music and has completed a new album titled "Comes in Waves," which is scheduled for release on August 14.

She said making music helped provide purpose during difficult days.

"Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room. It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life," Simon said.

Carly Simon thanks family and caregivers

Simon concluded her statement by thanking her children, family, friends, caregivers and medical professionals for supporting her throughout her health journey.

"I do not consider Parkinson's a gift or a blessing. It is neither. It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening," she said.

Reflecting on her current life, Simon added, "These days I move more slowly, I lean on others more than I once did, and I have learned to accept that every day will look a little different. But I am still very much here."

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. Common symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and balance problems. The condition can also cause non-movement symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and cognitive changes.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, with medications and other treatments one can manage symptoms and improve quality of life.