Legendary singer-songwriter Carly Simon has shared that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and recently underwent treatment for skin cancer, offering fans a personal explanation for her years-long absence. In a heartfelt statement released on July 27, the 83-year-old You're So Vain singer revealed that she has been privately navigating multiple health challenges while continuing to work on new music. The announcement comes just weeks before the release of Comes in Waves, her first album of original material since 2008. Carly Simon Opens Up About Parkinson's Disease View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carly Simon (@carlysimonhq)]]>Addressing her prolonged absence from public life, Simon wrote, "So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative silence, asking how I am and what I have been doing." She then revealed the reason behind her disappearance. She said that she has been learning how to live with Parkinson's disease. Simon explained that her health struggles initially began with severe arthritis in her hips and knees, leading to joint replacement surgeries. However, when her mobility continued to worsen after surgery, she sought further evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, where she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.Also read: Neurological Disorders Emerging As India's Next Major Public Health Challenge, Say Experts Living With Parkinson's Simon also spoke candidly about living with Parkinson's, emphasizing that the disease affects each person differently. She described experiencing good days and difficult days, adding that she is receiving treatment and adapting to a new routine while continuing to prioritize her health and creative work. Fatigue, mobility issues and other symptoms have become part of her daily life, she said Despite the diagnosis, Simon stressed that she remains committed to making music. "I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working," she said. She shared that spending more time at home allowed her to revisit unfinished songs and complete new material, resulting in Comes in Waves, which she describes as a project that helped sustain her through some of her most challenging years.Also read: World Brain Day: Climate Change Is Not Just Harming The Planet, It Could Also Be Affecting Your Brain Also Diagnosed With Skin Cancer Alongside Parkinson's disease, Simon disclosed that she was treated for basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. Although the cancer was successfully removed through surgery, she admitted that the procedure altered her appearance and affected her confidence. Reflecting on the experience with characteristic wit, she referenced one of her most iconic songs, noting that concerns about her appearance made it difficult to return to the spotlight.Also read: Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, ‘Miracle On The Hudson’ Pilot, Reveals Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis What Is Parkinson's Disease? Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It develops when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine gradually deteriorate. Common symptoms include: TremorsMuscle stiffnessSlowed movementBalance and coordination problemsFatigueChanges in speech and facial expressionsAlthough there is currently no cure, medications, physical therapy and lifestyle interventions can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. By sharing her diagnoses, Simon joins a growing number of public figures who have spoken openly about living with Parkinson's disease, helping raise awareness about the condition while reducing stigma.