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Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis and cancer surgery
The singer-songwriter has shared that she has Parkinson's disease and recently underwent surgery for a facial carcinoma, explaining her extended absence from public view.
By George Kensington · 3 min read
The musician Carly Simon has disclosed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, sharing the news in a statement that also revealed she recently had surgery to treat a carcinoma on her face. The announcement addressed the singer's extended period out of the public eye, a time during which many fans had written to inquire about her wellbeing.
Simon, best known for her 1972 hit «You're So Vain,» said: «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.» In the same statement, she credited music with having «rescued» her, highlighting the role that her art has played in helping her cope with the diagnosis.
The singer-songwriter explained that the carcinoma on her face required surgical treatment, which contributed to her decision to withdraw from public view. While she did not provide further details about her medical condition, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received from fans and emphasised that music continues to be a source of strength and consolation.
Carly Simon's announcement comes after a period of relative silence that had prompted curiosity among her audience. Her statement now clarifies the reasons behind her absence and offers insight into her current state. She indicated that she is learning to adapt to life with Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, and that music remains central to her daily life.
The singer has long been regarded as a major figure in popular music, with a career that produced numerous enduring songs including «You're So Vain,» «Anticipation,» and «Coming Around Again.» Over the decades she has won multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for her songwriting. Her openness about her diagnosis has been met with an outpouring of support from admirers around the world.
Simon's decision to go public with her health challenges reflects a growing willingness among public figures to share personal battles with neurological conditions. Her candour provides comfort to others facing similar diagnoses and underscores the importance of music as a therapeutic tool. As she continues to adjust to life with Parkinson's, Simon's statement suggests that she intends to remain engaged with her artistry, drawing strength from the craft that has defined her career.
