Carly Simon diagnosed with Parkinson's, new album out in August

Singer Carly Simon has revealed she is living with Parkinson's disease, a neurological condition that affects movement control. The 83-year-old artist shared that she has been learning to live with the illness, which has impacted her mobility. This diagnosis followed earlier issues with arthritis in her hip and knees, which required replacement surgeries. Simon noted that her mobility continued to decline, sometimes requiring considerable assistance to walk. She and her family recognized that "something more was going on" before the Parkinson's diagnosis was confirmed after an extensive evaluation. Simon described Parkinson's as unpredictable, with good days and bad days affecting her energy levels and ability to function. She has begun treatment, including medication to manage stiffness and other symptoms. "There is no tidy or predictable schedule to the illness. It does not consult my calendar before deciding what kind of day I am going to have," she stated. Alongside her Parkinson's diagnosis, Simon also underwent treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer on her face. While the cancer was successfully removed through surgery, the procedure affected her appearance and increased her self-consciousness in public. Despite these health 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. "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," she said. Simon emphasized that she does not want her illness to define her life.

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The truth is, I've been learning how to live with Parkinson's disease.