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Published 14:51 27 Jul 2026 GMT
Singer Carly Simon has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, as well as the symptoms that first made her see a doctor.
The 'You're So Vain' singer, 83, opened up about her health after largely retreating from the spotlight in recent years.
She explained to Page Six in a statement: "So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative silence, asking how I am and what I have been doing.
"The truth is I’ve been learning how to live with Parkinson’s disease."
She admitted that is had "taken me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it, and to decide how much I wanted to say about it publicly.
"Parkinson’s is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable. Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself."
Carly revealed that her health issues began with arthritis in her knees and one hip, for which she underwent three joint replacement surgeries.
However, mobility issues that crept up during her recovery led Carly to seek further tests, which eventually uncovered that she had Parkinson's.
She explained: "I had trouble standing up from low chairs and deep couches without someone offering me an arm," adding that at some points she was not even able to walk without "considerable help".
The Grammy Award-winning star revealed that she underwent "an extensive evaluation" at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where she finally received a diagnosis.
Carly now has medication to help with stiffness as well as other symptoms associated with the condition.
She explained: "There is no tidy or predictable schedule to the illness. It does not consult my calendar before deciding what kind of day I am going to have."
The singer also revealed that she'd undergone surgery on her face for basal cell carcinoma, which left her self-conscious about her appearance, adding: "Between my mobility issues, the Parkinson’s diagnosis, the surgery, and the emotional effects of it all, withdrawing from public view was the most palatable reaction.
"I do not consider Parkinson’s a gift or a blessing. It is neither. It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening. I am still learning how to live with it and how to accept it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential."
Parkinson's is a neurological disorder which affects nerve cells in the brain, causing symptoms including tremors, stiffness, problems with balance, and slowness of movement. There is currently no cure for the condition, but symptoms can sometimes be managed with medication or physiotherapy.
Despite her recent health battles, Carly will be releasing a new album, titled Comes In Waves, on August 14, which she said was an outlet when she was unable to leave her home.
She explained: "Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room. It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life."
Carly's statement revealed that while she now "moves more slowly" and "leans on others more than I once did," she has "learned to accept that every day will look a little different."
She closed her statement by saying: "But I am still very much here."
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Published 11:12 08 Dec 2022 GMT
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Celine Dion has revealed that she is battling a neurological disease.
The 54-year-old Canadian music icon took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the devastating news to her 5.2 million fans in a series of video posts spoken in both English and French.
In her message, the legendary singer said: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.
"As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I'm ready now."
Watch Dion's emotional address below:Her message continued: "I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and its been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.
"Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects 1 in a million people."
Stiff person syndrome - also known as SPS or stiff-man syndrome - is defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) as "a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease. SPS is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.
"While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having," Dion added.
NINDS adds that although "scientists don’t yet understand what causes SPS", patients can be treated with high doses of diazepam and several anti-convulsants, gabapentin, and tiagabine.
The 'My Heart Will Go On' singer continued: "Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I'm used to.
"It hurts me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February
"I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me help."
In the caption to her post, Dion revealed that she would be canceling eight of her shows and rescheduling the Spring concerts for the summer
Our best wishes go out to Dion and her loved ones at this time.
Published 16:12 17 Mar 2024 GMT
Celine Dion has given her followers an update on her health amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome.
The 'My Heart Will Go On' megastar had left the public eye for just under four years before making a return to the spotlight last year.
In 2022, Dion revealed on social media that she had been diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease known as Stiff Person Syndrome.
She wrote: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can't wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know I've always been an open book and I wasn't ready to say anything before but I'm ready.
"Recently I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff-person syndrome which affects one in a million people. While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what's been causing all the spasms I've been having."
She did, however, emphasize to her fans that she wanted to continue her career in the music industry.
"Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to," she added.
On Friday (March 15), which is Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) Awareness Day, Dion shared an update on her health in an attempt to raise awareness of the rare condition.
She penned in the heartfelt caption: "Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day.
"As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible.
She continued: "I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!
"I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!"
Needless to say, the singer's comments have been inundated with support from her followers.
Published 10:39 03 Aug 2025 GMT
A theory has emerged explaining why a growing number of celebrities - now including Justin Timberlake - have been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
On July 31, the 44-year-old Grammy Award-winning musician became the latest star to reveal his diagnosis.
Timberlake shared a heartfelt message with fans on Instagram, opening up about the health struggles he’s faced behind the scenes of his ongoing world tour.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person,” Timberlake began. “But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me.”
“I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don’t say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” he continued.
Describing the illness, he wrote: “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has – then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure.”
“But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness,” he added.
The 'SexyBack' and 'Mirrors' singer said he faced a difficult decision: Stop touring or keep pushing forward.
“I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going,” Timberlake wrote. “Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget.”
Timberlake also admitted he was reluctant to talk about his condition, saying, “I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
His candid post follows months of fan speculation about his health during his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which kicked off in April 2024.
The diagnosis places Timberlake among a list of celebrities who have publicly battled Lyme disease, including Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, Kelly Osbourne, Miranda Hart, and Alec Baldwin.
But why are so many high-profile stars being affected? Experts suggest several plausible explanations.
For one, lifestyle plays a role. Many celebrities own countryside estates in tick-prone areas like the Hamptons or Malibu canyons and are more likely to engage in outdoor activities such as horseback riding in wooded environments.
“If there is a rich and famous or class bias in this, it’s probably because they spend more time walking around in wooded parkland, more money to go out to those areas, or have big homes with these sorts of places,” Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia, told Daily Mail.
Celebs also have quicker access to high-end healthcare, meaning they may get diagnosed earlier and are more likely to share their experiences online. Additionally, their huge respective followings mean their stories are more amplified. This creates the impression that Lyme disease is more prevalent among the rich and famous.
The disease is caused by bacteria transmitted via tick bites, often producing a ‘bullseye’ rash, though not in every case. Other symptoms can include flu-like illness, headaches, fatigue, nerve pain, and facial droop.
“It’s an infection caused by a group of bacteria transmitted through an infected tick, giving you a specific set of symptoms,” Dr. Sanjay Mehta, GP at the London General Practice, explained, per The Independent. If left untreated, the condition can lead to long-term joint problems and neurological symptoms.
According to the CDC, roughly 476,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year.
The agency also noted that May and June 2025 saw the highest number of ER visits for tick bites during those months since 2019, a trend possibly linked to rising temperatures.
Timberlake ended his message with a hopeful tone: “Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
Published 08:58 01 Aug 2025 GMT
Justin Timberlake has opened up about his diagnosis of Lyme disease after revealing he'd been "battling some health issues".
On Thursday (July 31), the 44-year-old music icon revealed that he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease, joining a growing list of high-profile stars - including Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, and Alec Baldwin - who have spoken publicly about their experience with the illness.
“I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don’t say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” Timberlake shared in a candid Instagram post.
The 'SexyBack' singer said the condition has been “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
He explained: “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”
Timberlake’s announcement comes after more than a year on the road with his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which began in April 2024, shortly after his latest album Everything I Thought It Was.
As the tour progressed, fans noted signs of exhaustion and questioned his performance quality online.
The 'Mirrors' superstar addressed the speculation directly: “I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.
“Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget,” he continued. “I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
The tour’s success has been undeniable as Timberlake ranked 10th in Billboard’s midyear Boxscore report, grossing $73.2 million across 41 shows as of late May.
Experts say the disease, while relatively rare, can be serious. “Lyme disease is an infection caused by a group of bacteria transmitted through an infected tick, giving you a specific set of symptoms,” explained Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP at the London General Practice.
Only infected ticks can transmit the disease, and it’s typically contracted in wooded or grassy areas, The Independent reported.
The illness can present in a variety of ways, from flu-like symptoms and a rash to more severe nerve, joint, and neurological issues if left untreated.
Dr Mehta noted: “Those patients tend to get three stages of symptoms… long-term joint problems and neurological symptoms” can develop in a small number of cases.
In the US, experts have warned of an uptick in tick populations due to warming temperatures. May and June 2025 saw the highest number of ER visits for tick bites during those months since 2019, according to CDC data.
Timberlake, who began his career on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club and rose to fame with *NSync before launching a solo career, said he hopes his experience will help others. “I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease,” he said.
Fans have responded with overwhelming support. “Well, this explains a couple of things... the only thing we're sure of is that you have incredible talent and professionalism," wrote one.
"Every show was impactful, full of magic, and for that we are grateful. We will always support your every step, because we love you and know all the sacrifice that a tour entails. It's time for a break. We love you, JT. We hope you come back to our Chile when you return,” they added.
Another shared: “As someone who has battled Lyme disease for 23 yrs I want to say thank you for sharing your story & raising awareness & I am sending all the love & prayers for your healing.”
Published 10:31 19 Dec 2023 GMT
Celine Dion no longer has "control over her muscles," according to an update shared by her older sister Claudette.
Last December, the 55-year-old 'My Heart Will Go On' hitmaker announced on social media that she was canceling her upcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.
Celine posted a video, talking about prioritizing her health during this difficult time, saying: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.
"I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it has been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through, " she continued.
Watch Dion reveal her heartbreaking diagnosis below:"Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects one in a million people," she told her followers.
When discussing how the disease has impacted aspects of her life, the star said: "Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I'm used to."
Stiff person syndrome - also known as SPS or stiff-man syndrome - is a rare and incurable neurological disease that causes progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms.
It affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, and rigidity can fluctuate, mainly affecting the torso, arms, and legs.
It is more commonly seen in women than men and can be exacerbated by noise, touch, and emotional distress, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
The 'All By Myself' musician's older sibling has now given an update to fans on how Celine is doing with the neurological disorder.
Speaking to Canada’s 7 Jours (via the Daily Mail), Claudette revealed that her sister is "working hard" but has lost the ability to "control her muscles," adding: "What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined. She’s always worked hard. Our mother always told her, 'You’re going to do it well, you’re going to do it properly.'"
Back in May, the Canadian musician was forced to pull the remaining dates of her Courage world tour, and explained on Instagram that she was "working really hard to build back my strength".
"I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again...It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again," she added.
However, in the new interview, Claudette played down the possibility of her returning to full-scale touring, stating: "It’s true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know."
The 'Power Of Love' vocalist's sister told the publication that the rarity of the condition - which is thought to affect just one in a million people - means progress has been slow.
"The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle. This is what comes to get me. Because it’s one out of a million cases, the scientists haven’t done that much research because it didn’t affect that many people," Claudette shared.
She added that Celine and her family remain hopeful as the musician's family charity, Fondation Maman Dion, has been inundated with messages of support for the star.
"Some people have lost hope because it’s an illness that isn’t well known. If only you knew the number of phone calls the Foundation gets about Celine!", Claudette said. "People tell us they love her and they’re praying for her. She gets so many messages, presents, and blessed crucifixes."
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