ArtistDirect News
Carly Simon Reveals Parkinsons Diagnosis, Announces New Album "Comes in Waves"
Carly Simon, 83, announced on July 27 2026 that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and that she has recently undergone surgery to remove skin cancer. The singer‑songwriter also revealed that her 24th studio album, Comes in Waves, will be released on August 14 2026, marking her first album of original material in 18 years.
Simon’s statement, obtained by People, said she was diagnosed after a visit to the Mayo Clinic. She described the disease as a condition that “makes the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life temporarily misplaced the guest list.” The artist added that she has been writing, singing, and “occasionally getting trapped in an overstuffed chair” while coping with the diagnosis.
The singer also disclosed that she had skin cancer removed during the same period. She thanked her children, family, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals for their support. The announcement was made public in a letter that also referenced her experience of feeling “like a starfish drying in the sun,” a metaphor she used to describe the emotional impact of the disease.
Comes in Waves follows the release of the lead single “Howl” on June 11 2026. The track was issued by Simon’s official website and is available on major streaming platforms. The album is scheduled for physical and digital distribution on August 14, 2026, and will be her first new studio effort since 2008’s Let the River Run.
Simon’s career began in the early 1970s with the Simon Sisters and continued with a solo debut that earned a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. She achieved international fame with the 1972 album No Secrets, which included the worldwide hit “You’re So Vain.” The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained a signature track in her catalog.
In addition to her musical achievements, Simon has authored memoirs and children’s books, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Her diagnosis comes at a time when she has been largely out of the public eye, and the announcement is expected to bring attention to Parkinson’s disease among high‑profile patients.
The announcement was covered by several outlets, including the New York Times, Metro, and Consequence. Reports confirm that the diagnosis was made by neurologists at the Mayo Clinic, and that the skin cancer surgery was for basal cell carcinoma. No details about treatment plans or medication were disclosed.
Simon’s statement and the release of Comes in Waves represent a significant moment for the artist, who has maintained a quiet personal life in recent years. The album’s arrival will provide fans with new material after nearly two decades of silence, while her public disclosure of Parkinson’s disease may encourage broader awareness of the condition.
The music community and fans are awaiting the album’s release on August 14, 2026, and will likely follow Simon’s ongoing health journey through future updates from her official channels.
Simon’s statement, obtained by People, said she was diagnosed after a visit to the Mayo Clinic. She described the disease as a condition that “makes the part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life temporarily misplaced the guest list.” The artist added that she has been writing, singing, and “occasionally getting trapped in an overstuffed chair” while coping with the diagnosis.
The singer also disclosed that she had skin cancer removed during the same period. She thanked her children, family, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals for their support. The announcement was made public in a letter that also referenced her experience of feeling “like a starfish drying in the sun,” a metaphor she used to describe the emotional impact of the disease.
Comes in Waves follows the release of the lead single “Howl” on June 11 2026. The track was issued by Simon’s official website and is available on major streaming platforms. The album is scheduled for physical and digital distribution on August 14, 2026, and will be her first new studio effort since 2008’s Let the River Run.
Simon’s career began in the early 1970s with the Simon Sisters and continued with a solo debut that earned a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. She achieved international fame with the 1972 album No Secrets, which included the worldwide hit “You’re So Vain.” The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained a signature track in her catalog.
In addition to her musical achievements, Simon has authored memoirs and children’s books, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Her diagnosis comes at a time when she has been largely out of the public eye, and the announcement is expected to bring attention to Parkinson’s disease among high‑profile patients.
The announcement was covered by several outlets, including the New York Times, Metro, and Consequence. Reports confirm that the diagnosis was made by neurologists at the Mayo Clinic, and that the skin cancer surgery was for basal cell carcinoma. No details about treatment plans or medication were disclosed.
Simon’s statement and the release of Comes in Waves represent a significant moment for the artist, who has maintained a quiet personal life in recent years. The album’s arrival will provide fans with new material after nearly two decades of silence, while her public disclosure of Parkinson’s disease may encourage broader awareness of the condition.
The music community and fans are awaiting the album’s release on August 14, 2026, and will likely follow Simon’s ongoing health journey through future updates from her official channels.