CARLY SIMON REVEALS PARKINSON’S DIAGNOSIS, SAYS SHE ALSO UNDERWENT SKIN CANCER SURGERY AFTER MOBILITY CONCERNS LED TO MAYO CLINIC EVALUATION. (PHOTO).

 Carly Simon reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis, says she also underwent skin cancer surgery after mobility concerns led to Mayo Clinic evaluation

Carly Simon has publicly disclosed that she has Parkinson’s disease, explaining that she decided to speak about her health after taking time to understand the diagnosis and adjust to living with the condition. The 83-year-old singer also revealed that she underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, while receiving treatment for Parkinson’s.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE on July 27, Simon said many people had asked about her recent absence from the public eye. She explained that she had been learning to manage Parkinson’s and deciding how much of her health journey she wanted to share publicly.

Simon said the condition affects her differently from day to day. According to her, some days leave her too tired to get going, while on others she is able to move, think and work with greater ease.

She explained that her health concerns initially appeared to be related to arthritis, which led to joint replacement surgeries on both knees and one hip. After those procedures, she believed her difficulty walking was part of the recovery process.

However, Simon said her mobility continued to worsen. She experienced increasing difficulty standing up from low chairs and sofas and, at times, needed considerable assistance to walk. Those changes prompted her family to seek further medical evaluation.

Following extensive assessments at the Mayo Clinic, Simon said she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She has since started treatment, including medication to help manage stiffness and other symptoms.

Simon also noted that Parkinson’s extends beyond movement-related symptoms. She said the condition can also bring anxiety, depression, exhaustion and apathy, adding that there are times when a lack of motivation makes even simple daily activities difficult.