Overview
- Simon disclosed in a letter published by People on Monday that she has been learning to live with Parkinson’s disease after an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic.
- She described worsening mobility that followed joint replacements and said there were days when she could not get up from a chair or walk without substantial help.
- At the same time she underwent surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma on her face, which successfully removed the cancer but changed her appearance and contributed to her withdrawal from public life.
- Simon says she has begun medication for Parkinson’s symptoms, remains creatively active and is finishing Comes in Waves, her first album of new songs in 18 years, set for release in mid‑August.
- She emphasized that Parkinson affects mood as well as movement, expressed gratitude to family and caregivers, and framed music as a sustaining force during recovery and adaptation.