Carly Simon has shared that she's going through some very serious health issues. The "You're So Vain" singer provided a statement to PEOPLE, revealing that she's battling Parkinson's disease. In the same statement, she also shared that she recently underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, whic is a form of skin cancer.
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"It has taken me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it, and to decide how much I wanted to say about it publicly," Carly said in the statement. "Parkinson's is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable. Some days I'm so tired I can't get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself."
The statement then continued with Carly detailing how her symptoms first began.
"The problems began with arthritis in both knees and one hip. I eventually had all three joints replaced, out with the old and in with delicate bouquets of metal and plastic. After three replacement surgeries, I assumed my difficulty walking was simply an unfortunate and rather ironic part of the recovery process."
Despite the surgeries, Carly's symptoms continued to worsen, leading to further investigation.
"But my mobility continued to worsen. I had trouble standing up from low chairs and deep couches without someone offering me an arm. Overstuffed furniture became my enemy. Once seated, I could feel as though I had been swallowed by the chair and might remain there permanently, like a guest who had badly overstayed her welcome."
Carly Simon Also Detailed the Mental Struggles Parkinson's Can Cause
Later in the statement, Carly explained how Parkinson's, which is best known for its physical symptoms, can also impact people mentally.
"...Parkinson's is usually associated with movement, tremors, and balance, but it can affect much more than the body. It can bring anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and apathy. The apathy is particularly strange. You can find yourself lying there like a starfish drying in the sun, arms pointing in all directions, while nothing inside is telling you to get up, read, watch, write, sing, call someone, or do much of anything at all."
Despite her medical issues, Carly shared that she's still working on new music and hopes to provide fans with a fresh album in the near future.
"In the middle of all this, I began recording a new album, Comes in Waves. That still feels mysterious to me. Music has always known when to arrive. It has rescued me more times that I can count. It is like a cat or dog that quietly appears beside you when it senses you are not quite yourself."
Carly's "Comes With Waves" album is expected to release at some point this year. Hopefully, this isn't the last we hear from her as she continues to battle health issues on two fronts.
