Carly Simon has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, treated for skin cancer - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reported that Carly Simon, the 83-year-old singer-songwriter known for hits including “Nobody Does It Better,” has disclosed that she has Parkinson’s disease and was recently treated for skin cancer. In a statement given to AP on Monday, Simon said she had been largely out of public view while trying to understand and manage the diagnosis.

According to AP, Simon said she initially had arthritis in one hip and both knees and underwent replacement surgeries for all three joints, but her ability to move continued to worsen. She said further evaluation at the Mayo Clinic led to the Parkinson’s diagnosis. Simon described the condition as variable, with some days marked by severe fatigue and others allowing more space for work and ordinary activity. She said she has started treatment, including medication for stiffness and other symptoms.

AP also reported that Simon was treated for basal cell carcinoma on her face. She said surgery removed the cancer, but the procedure affected her appearance and contributed to reluctance about being seen publicly. Basal cell carcinoma is commonly described as a frequent form of skin cancer, while Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that affects movement and can involve tremors, stiffness, balance issues and slower motion.

The disclosure comes as Simon prepares to release “Comes in Waves” on Aug. 14, which AP described as her first album of original songs since 2008. Simon said music has helped give structure to difficult days, adding context to why the announcement matters to fans who had wondered about her absence.