Carly Simon Reveals Parkinson’s Disease and Cancer Diagnosis Behind Her Retreat From Public Life

Grammy Award-winning musician Carly Simon disclosed in a statement to People magazine published July 27 that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and underwent surgery to treat basal cell carcinoma, explaining her extended absence from public appearances. The 83-year-old “You’re So Vain” artist said the diagnoses required time to process before she felt comfortable discussing them openly.

Simon described how her health challenges began with arthritis affecting both knees and one hip, leading to replacement surgeries for all three joints. She initially attributed her worsening mobility issues to the normal recovery process from the procedures, but her condition continued to deteriorate, making it increasingly difficult for her to rise from low furniture or walk without assistance.

An extensive medical evaluation at the Mayo Clinic confirmed Simon’s suspicion and resulted in a Parkinson’s diagnosis. She subsequently began treatment to address stiffness and other symptoms associated with the progressive neurological condition, which affects movement and can also trigger anxiety, depression and apathy.

During the same period, Simon underwent facial surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. The procedure left her feeling self-conscious about her appearance and unwilling to be seen publicly, compounding her decision to withdraw from the spotlight.

Despite her health struggles, Simon emphasized that she has continued creative work on a new album titled “Comes in Waves,” her first full-length release since 2008. She noted that music production provided structure and purpose during difficult periods and reinforced that illness need not define one’s entire life.

Simon’s last public performance occurred in March 2018 at the Tibet House U.S. Benefit Concert & Gala at Carnegie Hall. In 2019, she made a promotional appearance at SiriusXM Studios in New York to discuss her memoir about her friendship with former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

The legendary performer, who rose to prominence with her 1971 self-titled debut album and is renowned for hits including the 1972 single “You’re So Vain” and the James Bond theme “Nobody Does It Better,” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022, though she did not attend the Los Angeles ceremony. Simon’s induction occurred shortly after the deaths of her sisters from cancer.