Details are apparently forthcoming as part of an extended interview set to run next week, but the unfortunate news for the day is that AARP.com announced that Tucson legend Linda Ronstadt has Parkinson’s disease, which has robbed her of the ability to sing and needs assistance to walk:
Legendary singer Linda Ronstadt, 67, told AARP today that she “can’t sing a note” because she suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed eight months ago, Ronstadt began to show symptoms as long as eight years ago. But she ascribed her inability to sing to a tick bite (“my health has never recovered since then”), and believed the shaking in her hands resulted from shoulder surgery.
In a wide-ranging interview with AARP’s music writer Alanna Nash to be published on aarp.org next week, Ronstadt revealed how she discovered that “there was something wrong” with her voice.
“I couldn’t sing,” she told Nash, “and I couldn’t figure out why. I knew it was mechanical. I knew it had to do with the muscles, but I thought it might have also had something to do with the tick disease that I had. And it didn’t occur to me to go to a neurologist. I think I’ve had it for seven or eight years already, because of the symptoms that I’ve had. Then I had a shoulder operation, so I thought that’s why my hands were trembling.
“Parkinson’s is very hard to diagnose, so when I finally went to a neurologist and he said, ‘Oh, you have Parkinson’s disease,’ I was completely shocked. I wouldn’t have suspected that in a million, billion years.
“No one can sing with Parkinson’s disease,” Ronstadt said. “No matter how hard you try.”
Ronstadt walks with the aid of poles when on uneven ground, and uses a wheelchair when she travels.
This article appears in Aug 22-28, 2013.
This is sad news. As a person who has a very close family member with the same affliction, I truly feel for her. Here’s to hoping she can at least manage to sing again, whether it be professionally or for her own benefit. With the right treatment, therapy and medication(s) those that are afflicted can gain back a big part of what they’ve lost; I’ve seen it first hand. My prayers are with her.
I recently listened to her interview with Marian McPartland – a total joy from start to finish. Linda Ronstadt has enjoyed a remarkable and well-earned career in music. This is devastating news to those of us who love her voice.
This is such sad news …..I just can’t believe it! I wish her the best in trying to fight this battle and looking so forward to reading her new book next month! And seeing her in NYC …I would love for her to sign my copy! Hang in there! ….and a note to the Rock n Roll hall of fame people …why the HELL hasn’t she been inducted yet?? They should be ashamed of themselves! Stupid Ass Hats!!!!!!!!
I am so sorry to hear about this! I’ve listened to her amazing voice for so long, we took her for granted. I’ve wondered what she’s been up to lately, I still LOVE her music and I think Canciones de mi Padre was the best album EVER! Also love her and Aaron Neville’s duets. What a legacy she leaves! Linda, get better and definitely look for alternative medicine, the kind that’s legal now. It could save you time and efforts in treating Parkinson’s. Please look into it.
Linda, we are your fans no matter what. Look what you have given us with your huge career, and now, your courage in coming out about this! We love you and will be praying for you.
Linda, please know that God walks with you each day. No matter how rough life seems. My own sister had parkinson, which devastated me, as not being raised together when I found her we had so little time. Still I thank the Lord for what we had. I lost my husband recently, and have had a struggle just to make it. but..I know that I must take what I am handed and try to find a way? The blessings you have with the love of your family will help you find your way through these times.
Sending you all the heartfelt blessings and hope you can find peace with a difficult situation. Prayers is all I can offer.
What a shame to be taken down but not out with this news. Her voice and face is just sweet sugar.What a beauty she is ,wishing you the best Linda.
I met and talked with Linda at a Jane Goodall function back in the spring of 1990. I heard she has Parkinson’s. I successfully got rid of MS in 7 months by simply leaving certain foods out of my diet completely. Please share with her this website….nothing to buy! Just recipes on what foods to avoid! Parkinson’s like MS is an auto-immune disease initiated by gluten and other gliaden proteins in the blood.
http://www.paleoplan.com/recipes/
There is help – in Tucson! http://www.pwr4life.org/pwr-gym/