Carly Simon Confronts Parkinson’s While Preparing New Album

Singer‑songwriter Carly Simon has publicly revealed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects muscle control and movement. In an emotional statement to the BBC, the 83‑year‑old shared that some days she feels exhausted to the point where she cannot start her day, while other days provide a bit more freedom to work and feel like herself.

Simon also disclosed that she recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth on her face, an operation that left her more self‑conscious in public. She noted that the experience has amplified her already meticulous self‑critique, adding new material to her inner dialogue.

Despite the disease’s unpredictable progression, Simon insists that “I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working.” She has been receiving medication and treatment, though she acknowledges the episodes of anxiety, depression and a particular form of apathy that accompany Parkinson’s. “You can find yourself lying there like a starfish drying in the sun, arms out, while nothing inside tells you to get up, read, watch, write, sing, call someone, or do anything,” she explains.

In a gesture of continued creativity, Simon announced a new album, "Comes In Waves", slated for release in August 2026. The first single, “Howl,” was released last month and features her signature contralto voice offering comfort to a friend dealing with a breakup. The album will revisit familiar themes such as love, memory, family, self‑reckoning, forgiveness, and emotional evolution.