Carly Simon, one of the defining singer-songwriters of the 1970s and 80s, has publicly disclosed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and recently underwent surgery to treat skin cancer on her face. The 83-year-old musician, best known for songs including You're So Vain, Nobody Does It Better, and Coming Around Again, shared the news in a statement issued on Monday after receiving letters from fans concerned about her long public absence.

Simon's health difficulties began with arthritis in both knees and one hip, which led to three replacement surgeries. When her mobility continued to deteriorate — leaving her at times unable to walk without significant assistance — her family sought further evaluation. Following an assessment at the Mayo Clinic, a leading medical institution in the United States, she received the Parkinson's diagnosis. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease caused by the deterioration of dopamine-producing brain cells. It affects roughly 10 million people worldwide and one million Americans, and typically presents after age 60 with symptoms including tremors, stiff limbs, slow movement, and balance problems. There is currently no cure, though medications, therapy, and implanted tremor-blocking devices can help manage symptoms.

Simon described the condition's unpredictability with candour, noting that some days leave her too fatigued to function, while others allow her to