LOS ANGELES -- Linda Ronstadt says she suffers from Parkinson's disease, which has robbed her ability to sing. The 67-year-old music legend told 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 hundreds 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 walking sticks to walk on uneven ground and a wheelchair when travelling, 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. Linda is understandably sensitive about her illness and would prefer privacy during a difficult time.
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