Linda Ronstadt Illness: What Happened to Linda Ronstadt?

Learn about Linda Ronstadt illness and how it impacted her career, Know more about Linda Ronstadt’s boyfriends, band, and other information in the article below.

by Rajalaxmi

Updated May 03, 2023

Linda Ronstadt Illness: What Happened to Linda Ronstadt?
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Who is Linda Ronstadt?

Linda Ronstadt is a highly acclaimed American singer who is renowned for her versatility and ability to perform across multiple genres. Throughout her career, she has won numerous awards and accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, 2 Academy of Country Music Awards, an Emmy Award, and an ALMA Award. She has also been certified gold, platinum, or multiplatinum for many of her albums both in the United States and internationally.

Ronstadt's success in the music industry is attributed to her exceptional talent and range. She has sung in diverse genres, including rock, country, light opera, the Great American Songbook, and Latin music. Her ability to excel in various musical styles has earned her numerous nominations, including a Tony Award and a Golden Globe award. Ronstadt has received various honors for her contributions to the arts.

She was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by the Latin Recording Academy in 2011 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy in 2016. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and awarded the National Medal of Arts and Humanities in the same year. In 2019, Ronstadt was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris for their work as the group Trio. 

Linda Ronstadt illness 

In 2013, a devastating diagnosis threatened to silence one of the most iconic voices in music history. Linda Ronstadt, the beloved singer known for hits like "Blue Bayou" and "You're No Good," had been struggling with her vocals for years before finally seeking medical help. The news she received was shocking: she had Parkinson's disease. For Ronstadt, the diagnosis was a crushing blow.

She had always relied on her voice to express herself and connect with her fans, and the thought of losing that ability was almost too much to bear. However, as she would soon learn, her situation was even more dire than she had originally thought. After further testing, Ronstadt discovered that she did not actually have Parkinson's disease, but rather a Parkinson's-like disorder called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

While both conditions share some symptoms, such as tremors and difficulty with movement, PSP is a more aggressive and rare form of neurodegenerative disease. It affects the brain stem and disrupts the ability to control eye movements, balance, and coordination. Ronstadt's diagnosis was a devastating blow, but she refused to let it silence her completely. 

She also continued to perform and record music, adapting her style and approach to accommodate the changes in her vocal abilities. In a 2019 interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Ronstadt spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced since her diagnosis. "You've got to find another way to do what you do," she said. "And that's all. There's always another way to do what you love. And that's what I found."

What Happened to Linda Ronstadt?

Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system and progressively impairs a person's motor functions. It is a chronic and debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world, including some of the most famous names in history. One of those names is Linda Ronstadt, a Grammy Award-winning singer, and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s.

In 2013, the world found out why Linda Ronstadt had not released any new music in over a decade. The singer revealed that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, a condition that had left her unable to sing. Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disorder that affects movement and coordination, causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. For a singer like Ronstadt, whose voice was her instrument, the diagnosis was devastating.

Ronstadt first noticed something was wrong in 2000 when she began experiencing shaking in her hands. She initially thought it was just a sign of aging, but as the symptoms worsened, she sought medical help. She was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2012, after a series of tests and consultations with specialists. Ronstadt's diagnosis was a blow to her musical career.

She had been one of the most successful and acclaimed singers of her generation, with a string of hit albums and singles to her name. Her distinctive voice, which blended elements of folk, rock, and country, had won her legions of fans around the world. She had also been a vocal activist for a number of causes, including women's rights and environmental issues.

What Disease does Linda Ronstadt have?

Linda Ronstadt, the celebrated American singer, songwriter, and actress, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012. The news came as a shock to her fans and colleagues in the music industry, who had long admired her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.

It is caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which leads to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no known cure for Parkinson's, there are medications and therapies that can help manage its symptoms. Ronstadt, who was born in Tucson, Arizona, in 1946, rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit songs that showcased her remarkable vocal range and versatility.

Linda Ronstadt Boyfriend

In the mid-1970s, Linda Ronstadt, already a successful solo artist, began working with producer John Boylan, who would also become her boyfriend. This partnership would prove to be a fruitful one, resulting in some of Ronstadt's most successful albums and memorable songs. Boylan, who had previously worked with acts such as The Eagles and Pure Prairie League, brought a new sound to Ronstadt's music, incorporating elements of country, rock, and pop.

Together, they produced Ronstadt's 1976 album "Hasten Down the Wind," which featured hit songs such as "That'll Be the Day" and "Crazy." The album would go on to win a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Their collaboration continued with the 1977 album "Simple Dreams," which became Ronstadt's best-selling album to date, with hits such as "Blue Bayou" and "It's So Easy."

Boylan also produced Ronstadt's 1980 album "Mad Love," which featured the hit single "How Do I Make You." While Boylan's work with Ronstadt was a critical and commercial success, their personal relationship faced challenges. In her memoir, Ronstadt revealed that Boylan struggled with substance abuse, which strained their relationship and ultimately led to their breakup.

Linda Ronstadt Band

Linda Ronstadt is a legendary American singer who gained immense popularity during the 1970s and 80s. Her soulful voice and unique style made her a prominent figure in the music industry. However, what many people might not know is that Linda Ronstadt also had a successful career with various bands, each with their own distinct sound and style.

One of the bands that Linda Ronstadt performed with was called Stone Poneys. This folk-rock band was formed in 1965 and consisted of Linda Ronstadt, Bobby Kimmel, and Kenny Edwards. The band released three albums, with their debut album, "Evergreen, Volume 2," featuring the hit single "Different Drum." The song reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a signature song for Linda Ronstadt.

Another band that Linda Ronstadt collaborated with was Free Creek. This was a group of renowned musicians who came together in 1969 to record an album that was entirely improvised. The band consisted of Linda Ronstadt, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and other talented musicians. The album, titled "Free Creek," was released in 1973 and is considered a classic of improvisational music.

Finally, Linda Ronstadt also performed with the band Swampwater. This country-rock band was formed in 1970 and consisted of musicians who had previously played with artists such as Leon Russell and Delaney & Bonnie. Linda Ronstadt joined the band in 1971 and played with them for a short period. However, she did not record any albums with the band.

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Linda Ronstadt illness - FAQs

1. When was Linda Ronstadt born?

Linda Ronstadt was born on July 15, 1946.

2. What genres of music did Linda Ronstadt sing?

Linda Ronstadt sang in diverse genres, including rock, country, light opera, the Great American Songbook, and Latin music.

3. How many Grammy Awards did Linda Ronstadt win?

Linda Ronstadt won a total of 11 Grammy Awards throughout her career.

4. Was Linda Ronstadt inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Yes, Linda Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

5. What other awards and honors did Linda Ronstadt receive?

Linda Ronstadt received many other honors, including the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts and Humanities, and the Kennedy Center Honors.