Legendary singer-songwriter Carly Simon disclosed that she has been living with Parkinson's disease, revealing her recent absence from public life was due to managing the neurodegenerative condition. After experiencing progressive mobility difficulties stemming from arthritis and three joint-replacement surgeries that failed to resolve the underlying problems, extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic led to her diagnosis. The condition manifests unpredictably, ranging from debilitating fatigue on some days to periods where she retains enough capacity to work and create.

Simon acknowledged the full scope of her health struggles, including treatment for basal cell carcinoma on her face and the cascading effects of both conditions—the cancer surgery altered her appearance while Parkinson's brings episodes of anxiety, depression, and apathy that she described as particularly disorienting. She emphasised that she does not romanticise her illness but rather continues to navigate its complexities whilst recording new material, with an album scheduled for release the following month, demonstrating her determination to maintain creative engagement despite the obstacles.