Marc Cohn is walking in his truth.
The 65-year-old singer, whose “Walking in Memphis” single took the world by storm in the early ’90s, has Parkinson’s disease — a secret he revealed to fans on Thursday, January 31, while sharing he was diagnosed with the disorder several years ago.
“I feel like it’s time to tell you, my fans, what many of my colleagues, friends and family already know. About five years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” Cohn announced on social media.
He explained why he chose to keep the news close to his chest.
“I waited this long to tell you about the diagnosis because I needed time to process the unsettling news myself,” he shared.
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that attacks the nervous system and worsens over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can affect speech, movement, and balance, cause tremors and more.
Stars like Michael J. Fox, Ozzy Osbourne and Neil Diamond have also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
However, Cohn is looking at the bright side of his health issues.
“But the good news is this: I’m doing everything I can to stave off Parkinson’s progression, and with those efforts, I have been able to continue playing shows for you all,” he shared.
Cohn admitted that while “some nights have been more difficult than others,” he’s experienced “moments of healing and deep gratitude for my ability to stand at the microphone and continue to do the job I love so much.”
The singer, who won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1992 for “Walking in Memphis,” a Top 40 hit, took a moment to reflect and thank his fans.
“These past few years have been a time of reflection and a reminder of the preciousness of every moment,” he wrote. “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.”
He added, “This is just another passage… another opportunity to learn another dance.”
Cohn concluded his announcement by revealing he’s not going anywhere.
“I plan on continuing to do shows for as long as possible. Come meet us on the road somewhere,” he stated.
The musician signed his message “with love and gratitude.”
Cohn is set to begin touring in late February, with stops in Arizona, Colorado and California before heading to the East Coast, according to his website.
Besides winning Best New Artist at the 1992 Grammys, he was also nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male and Song of the Year.
The singer was married to NewsNation host Elizabeth Vargas from 2002 to 2014. The exes share two sons: Zachary, 22, and Samuel, 18.
Cohn faced another health scare in 2005 when he and several members of his band were shot at by a carjacker after their Denver show.
The Grammy winner was hit in the temple – and miraculously survived.
Cohn and several members of his band were leaving a show in Denver Aug. 7 when they were shot at by an alleged carjacker, who’s since been charged with attempted murder.
The shooter was sentenced to 36 years in prison.
