Linda Ronstadt Reveals She Has Parkinson’s Disease and Can No Longer Sing

Sad news was revealed from one of my favorite female artists; Linda Ronstadt has Parkinson's disease. She was one of the first cross-over artists in the '70s & '80s with a number of Grammy Awards to show for her success. The 67 year old Ronstadt announced her retirement this week due to the disease.

Ronstadt was interviewed for AARP magazine where she admits to the diagnosis, which was made last winter. She says she starting having symptoms of the disease about 8 years ago, but never went to see a neurologist. She had trembling in her hands but thought it was the result of a previous shoulder injury and operation.

She now has to use poles while walking and sometimes a wheelchair when she travels. She also adds that she can no longer sing. "No one can sing with Parkinson's disease," Ronstadt tells AARP "No matter how hard you try."

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's, it can be managed with medications.

Ronstadt is a Grammy winning artist, starting in the '70s pop genre, then adding country and even mariachi. Some of my favorites from her include, 'Blue Bayou', 'When Will I Be Loved', 'You're No Good' and duets with Aaron Neville 'Don't Know Much' and 'All My Life'.  She also partnered with country powerhouses Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris for 2 albums, 'Trio' released in 1987 and 'Trio II' in 1999.

Look for her memoir "Simple Dreams" to be released September 17th.