In a deeply personal and revealing interview, music legend Linda Ronstadt has opened up about a truth that fans have long suspected: her decision to step away from the spotlight was about more than just her health. At 78, Ronstadt, whose voice defined a generation with hits like "You’re No Good," "Blue Bayou," and "Don’t Know Much," has shared the emotional and physical toll that fame took on her—and why she chose to prioritize her well-being over her career.
.jpg)
Ronstadt, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, has been largely out of the public eye since retiring from music in 2011. But in her latest interview, she revealed that her health struggles were only part of the reason she walked away. “The truth is, I was exhausted,” she admitted. “Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. I had been giving everything to my music for decades, and I realized I had nothing left to give.”
The singer, known for her powerhouse vocals and genre-defying versatility, explained that the pressure to maintain her success was overwhelming. “I was constantly touring, recording, and promoting,” she said. “It was a grind, and it left little room for anything else. I missed out on so much—time with family, friendships, even just the simple joy of living. I knew I couldn’t keep going like that.”
Ronstadt also spoke candidly about the challenges of being a woman in the music industry during the height of her fame. “It was a different time,” she said. “There were expectations placed on me that my male counterparts didn’t have to deal with. I was told how to look, how to act, even how to sing. It was suffocating.”
Despite her struggles, Ronstadt said she has no regrets about her career. “Music gave me so much,” she said. “It allowed me to connect with people in a way that nothing else could. But it also took a lot from me. I had to make a choice, and I chose myself.”
Since retiring, Ronstadt has focused on her health, her family, and her passion for advocacy. She has become an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s research and has used her platform to raise awareness about the disease. “I may not be singing anymore, but I still have a voice,” she said. “And I want to use it to make a difference.”
The interview has sparked an outpouring of love and admiration from fans, many of whom have long wondered about Ronstadt’s decision to step away. “Linda has always been an inspiration,” one fan tweeted. “Her honesty and courage are just as powerful as her music.” Another wrote, “She gave us so much, and she deserves to live her life on her own terms.”
As Ronstadt reflects on her journey, she says she’s at peace with her decision—and grateful for the life she’s built. “I’ve learned that it’s okay to put yourself first,” she said. “And I hope others can learn that too. You don’t have to sacrifice everything for your art or your career. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is walk away.”
By sharing her truth, Linda Ronstadt has not only given fans a deeper understanding of her decision but also offered a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and authenticity. Her legacy, both as an artist and as a person, continues to inspire.