Introduction

Linda Ronstadt Opens Up About Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Life on the Road

In a candid and emotional interview, legendary singer Linda Ronstadt revealed the heartbreaking truth behind her inability to sing and the devastating diagnosis that followed. Known for her genre-defying talent and powerful voice, Ronstadt shared how she first noticed something was wrong while performing on stage. “I couldn’t hit the notes, I couldn’t get any color into my voice,” she admitted. Despite years of vocal exercises, her once vibrant tone seemed unreachable. After numerous doctor visits, the shocking reality emerged: she had Parkinson’s disease.

The disease, she explained, affects the communication between the brain and muscles rather than the muscles themselves. This meant that her voice — once a tool for storytelling and emotional expression — no longer responded the way it used to. “I finally stopped singing because I didn’t feel it was fair to charge people to hear me bark,” she said. This moment marked a painful turning point for a performer whose life had revolved around music.

Ronstadt also reflected on the broader impact of Parkinson’s on her daily life. From memory struggles to planning her days around medication schedules, the disease has forced her to adapt in ways she never anticipated. She described mornings as unpredictable, with her mobility and mental clarity fluctuating depending on the timing and effect of her natural medicine. Despite these challenges, she refuses pharmaceutical drugs due to their side effects, showing a resilience that has always defined her career.

The singer also revisited her years on the road during the height of her career. She described the challenges and unique camaraderie of traveling with a band, likening life on tour to being a sailor constantly moving from port to port. While the music world often stereotypes women as partygoers or lovers of wild lifestyles, Ronstadt revealed she rarely indulged in drugs or nightlife, instead choosing to immerse herself in her craft. “We played music constantly. That’s how professional musicians get really good,” she explained. Her dedication to her art, even amid the complexities of touring life, contributed to her status as one of rock and pop’s most versatile performers.

Beyond her career, Ronstadt spoke of her personal life and motherhood. Choosing to adopt two children, she largely stepped away from touring to ensure she was present for their early years. She shared anecdotes of raising her children while traveling, emphasizing the importance of creating a balanced life despite the demands of superstardom. Her daughter, for example, didn’t even realize her mother sang in English until she was eight, as Ronstadt often performed in Spanish during their tours.

Through triumphs, struggles, and an unforeseen diagnosis, Linda Ronstadt’s story remains a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of music in shaping life, even when the voice falters.

Video