Carly Simon Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis, Aims to Keep Singing

Sun Sep 06 2026 08:18:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Singer‑songwriter Carly Simon revealed her Parkinson’s diagnosis, still writing, singing and preparing a new album for 2026.

Veteran singer‑songwriter Carly Simon, 83, confirmed she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, describing the unpredictable and sometimes frightening effects on her life and career. She said she is still writing and singing, grateful for the support of her family and medical team, and has surgery to remove a growth on her face. Despite her health challenges, Simon announced a new album, "Comes In Waves", set to release in August 2026, with the lead single “Howl” already out. The BBC interview details her struggles with arthritis, mobility, anxiety and apathy, and her plans to use her music as a form of resilience.

Carly Simon reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

83‑year‑old singer‑songwriter Carly Simon confirmed to the BBC that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She said the disease’s unpredictable nature can make some days feeling utterly exhausting, while on other days she feels she has more capacity to think, work and remain herself.

Simon added she has not stopped living or working, despite the occasional episode of anxiety, depression and fleeting apathy that the condition can trigger. “I have not stopped writing, singing, imagining, laughing, worrying, remembering and occasionally getting trapped in an over‑stuffed chair,” she said.

The singer also spoke of a recent surgery that removed a cancerous growth on her face, which had impacted her appearance and led to increased self‑consciousness in public. Anderson stresses that her “inner critic” now has new material to critique.

Simon’s mobility struggles began with arthritis in both knees and one hip, and she underwent three replacement surgeries without lasting improvement. The Mayo Clinic diagnosed her Parkinson’s after she faced difficulty standing from low chairs, relying on others to help her up, and struggling to walk, exposing “something more” at play. The disease, she said, is a progressive neurological disorder rapidly growing worldwide, with around 153,000 people in the UK affected.

Despite her health journey, Simon remains determined to live her life. She said she is still “learning how to live with it and how to accept it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential.” Her gratitude extends to her children, family, friends, caregivers and the medical professionals who support her each day.

New album due in August

Simon explained that she decided to share her diagnosis after receiving letters from the public expressing concern and curiosity about her relative silence. While managing her condition, she announced her forthcoming album “Comes In Waves”, scheduled for release in August 2026. The first single, “Howl”, dropped last month and features the singer comforting a friend who has recently experienced a breakup.

The album press release promises Simon will revisit familiar themes of love, memory, family, self‑reckoning and forgiveness, yet allows room for contradiction, ambiguity and emotional evolution. She will continue to be recognised for her piano‑led, emotionally honest pop anthems and intricate character studies, with classic tracks like “You’re So Vain” and “Why” still resonating with audiences.