Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's, skin cancer diagnoses

Singer Carly Simon, known for her hit "You're So Vain," has shared that she is living with Parkinson's disease and was recently treated for skin cancer. The 83-year-old artist explained that she needed time to process and decide how much to disclose about her Parkinson's diagnosis.

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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 described the unpredictable nature of the illness, noting that some days leave her extremely tired, while others allow for more movement and a sense of normalcy. She initially attributed her mobility issues to arthritis, having undergone three joint replacement surgeries for her knees and hip. However, her worsening condition, including difficulty standing and walking without assistance, prompted further investigation.

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It has taken me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it and to decide how much I wanted to say about it publicly. 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.

A comprehensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic confirmed the Parkinson's diagnosis. The disorder affects the central nervous system, primarily impacting motor functions and causing symptoms like tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness. Parkinson Canada reports that over 120,000 people in Canada live with the condition.

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I eventually had all three joints replaced, out with the old and in with delicate bouquets of metal and plastic. After three replacement surgeries, I assumed my difficulty walking was simply an unfortunate and rather ironic part of the recovery process.

While there is no cure, Simon is managing her symptoms with medication and is utilizing therapies such as physiotherapy and exercise to improve her quality of life. She acknowledged that Parkinson's can also bring anxiety, depression, and exhaustion, affecting more than just physical movement. During this period, she also received treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, on her face.

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But my mobility continued to worsen. I had trouble standing up from low chairs and deep couches without someone offering me an arm.