Linda Ronstadt says she 'can't sing a note' anymore because of Parkinson's disease

Singer Linda Ronstadt smiles during a news conference in 2009. Ronstadt, 67, told AARP magazine that she has Parkinson's disease and is no longer able to sing.


(Associated Press, file)

By The Associated Press
on August 24, 2013


LOS ANGELES -- Linda Ronstadt says she suffers from Parkinson's disease, which has robbed her ability to sing.

The 67-year-old music legend tells AARP Magazine, in an article posted online Friday, that she was diagnosed eight months ago and "can't sing a note."

Ronstadt says she began to show symptoms as long as eight years ago, but attributed her inability to sing then to a tick disease. When her hands began to tremble, Ronstadt said she thought the shaking was the result of a shoulder operation.

She said she was "completely shocked" when she finally saw a neurologist and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. "I wouldn't have suspected that in a million, billion years.

"No one can sing with Parkinson's disease," Ronstadt told AARP music writer Alanna Nash. "No matter how hard you try."

Ronstadt sold tens of millions of records starting in the 1970s with pop hits like "You're No Good" and "When Will I Be Loved." But she also segued into country, pop standards and mariachi music, among other genres.

In addition, the singer was known for her romances with California Gov. Jerry Brown and filmmaker George Lucas.

Ronstadt now uses poles to walk on uneven ground and a wheelchair when traveling, the AARP story said.

Her autobiography will be released next month, but makes no mention of Parkinson's or the loss of her voice, according to AARP.

The singer's New York-based managers did not immediately respond to requests from The Associated Press for comment.


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Very sad news.
Sending good wishes her way!

Yes, sad news but I don't see a relation... Does she sing with her hands or what?

Voodoo Chile in Wonderland wrote on Aug 24^th, 2013 at 10:56am:


I don't know a vast amount about the disease, but as it can affect the who nervous system, then I am guessing that it could harm her singing and speech capabilities. Okay, Michael J. Fox has suffered with Parkinson's for many years now, but even with the medication, his speech is impaired somewhat.

Horrible news, but I'm sure she will make the best of it, Michael J. Fox is a great example of someone who has Parkinson but continues to act & go on with his life, in fact there's a new t.v. sitcom that's happening for him.

Best wishes to Linda.

VERY SAD..SHE'S FANTASTIC AND WAS POSITIVELY GORGEOUS BACK IN THE 70'S.

THIS IS WHAT PARKINSONS SOUNDS LIKE SINGING !

Yeah I heard the vocal chords are muscles and the disease attacks the muscles so she cant sing at all now, which is sad. But I'm sure she can afford good medical treatment so at least she will get the best medical attention this country has to offer. What a drag it is getting old!