Linda Ronstadt says she has Parkinson's and can't sing
Legendary singer Linda Ronstadt told AARP Magazine she has Parkinson's disease, and 'can't sing a note.' She said she first began showing symptoms eight years ago.
Linda Ronstadt accepts the Lifetime Achievement award at the Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and Trustees Award ceremony in Las Vegas in November 2011. In an AARP Magazine article posted online Friday, Ronstadt says that she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and 'can't sing a note.'
Chris Pizzello/AP/File
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.
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.