Marc Cohn, the GRAMMY-winning artist behind the iconic hit “Walking in Memphis,” has revealed he’s been living with Parkinson’s disease for the past five years. The 65-year-old shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, opening up to his followers about his health journey.
In the post, Cohn explained why he kept his diagnosis private for so long, noting that his family and close friends had been aware. “Hi everyone. Marc here… I feel like it’s time to tell you, my fans, what many of my colleagues, friends, and family already know. About 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” he began.
He shared that he needed time to process the news himself before making it public. “I waited this long because I needed time to process the unsettling news,” Cohn wrote.
The good news? He’s been actively managing his condition and, thanks to his efforts, he’s been able to continue performing. “I’m doing everything I can to stave off Parkinson’s progression, and with those efforts, I’ve been able to continue playing shows for you all,” he shared, emphasizing his commitment to performing for as long as possible.
Cohn also spoke about the challenges he’s faced, admitting that some nights are tougher than others. But he added, “There have been moments of healing and deep gratitude for my ability to stand at the microphone and continue to do the job I love so much.”
Reflecting on the past few years, Cohn expressed a renewed sense of appreciation for every moment. “These past few years have been a time of reflection and a reminder of the preciousness of every moment,” he wrote.
He thanked his fans for their ongoing support, saying he views his diagnosis as “another opportunity to learn another dance.” “Thank you for making my music part of your daily lives. I feel like I’ve been a guest at your weddings, your delivery rooms, your first dances, and all the passages we all go through. This is just another passage…”
Cohn closed with a message of hope and gratitude, writing, “I plan on continuing to do shows for as long as possible. Come meet us on the road somewhere. With love and gratitude, Marc.”
In addition to his music career, Cohn made headlines in 2022 when he performed at Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s wedding. He later shared his experience on Instagram, explaining that Lopez had personally asked him to sing his hits “The Things We’ve Handed Down” and “True Companion” for the couple’s ceremony.