• Carly Simon shares her Parkinson's disease diagnosis, stating she is still learning to live with it.
• She underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, affecting her public appearance.
• Simon emphasizes the unpredictability of Parkinson's and how illness can alter life.
• The singer is set to release a new album, "Comes In Waves," on August 14, 2026.
• Music has been a therapeutic source for Simon during her health challenges.

Carly Simon announced her diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, stating it has caused her mobility to decline significantly. In her statement, she shared, "Eventually, there were periods when I could not walk without considerable help," revealing that she and her family suspected something more serious was happening after multiple surgeries on her knees and hip did not yield improvements. After an evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, the diagnosis was confirmed, according to BBC, CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and Channel News Asia.

In her candid letter, Simon described the challenges of dealing with both Parkinson's and recent surgery for basal cell carcinoma. She noted that the surgery "affected my appearance and made me more self-conscious about being seen in public," elaborating on how it led to further withdrawal from public life. Simon expressed gratitude for the support she has received during this difficult time and mentioned her ongoing treatment for Parkinson's, which includes medication to help manage symptoms, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times.

Simon characterized the experience of living with Parkinson's as "difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening," and shared how the disease impacts not only her physical abilities but also her mental well-being, including episodes of anxiety and apathy. She noted that finding the motivation to engage in activities becomes a struggle, saying, "It is as though the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life has temporarily misplaced the guest list," as cited in CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

Despite these health challenges, Simon is working on a new album titled Comes In Waves, set for release on August 14, 2026. She expressed that creating music has provided structure and purpose during difficult days, pointing out, "Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape," as reported by CBS News and Channel News Asia.

Ultimately, Simon remains determined to navigate her health issues with resilience, stating, "I am still very much here," highlighting her commitment to continuing her work and engagement with life despite the obstacles posed by her condition, according to BBC, CBS News, and Los Angeles Times.