About the song
Diane Sawyer’s Exclusive Interview With Linda Ronstadt
In a rare and deeply moving appearance, Linda Ronstadt, one of the most iconic voices of the 20th century, sat down with Diane Sawyer for an exclusive interview that left viewers both inspired and heartbroken. Once known for her soaring vocals and fearless artistry, Ronstadt has spent the last decade battling progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurological disease related to Parkinson’s that has taken away her ability to sing. Yet, in her conversation with Sawyer, she proved that while her voice may have been silenced, her spirit remains as strong and uncompromising as ever.
Diane Sawyer began the interview by revisiting Ronstadt’s extraordinary career. With more than 100 million records sold, 11 Grammy Awards, and a catalog that spanned genres from country-rock to pop, Latin, and even opera, Linda Ronstadt was never confined by labels. “I just sang what I loved,” she said, reflecting on a career that broke boundaries and inspired countless artists. Sawyer noted how Ronstadt stood at the forefront of music’s evolution, her voice shaping not only the sound of the 1970s but also the generations that followed.
But as the conversation turned to the present, the mood shifted. Ronstadt spoke candidly about the painful reality of losing her ability to sing. “It’s like losing part of yourself,” she admitted. “For me, singing was as natural as breathing. When that was taken away, I had to figure out who I was without it.” Despite the sadness in her words, her resilience shone through. She explained that while the disease has taken her voice, it has not taken her ability to appreciate music, love, or life itself.
Sawyer pressed further, asking how Ronstadt copes with the daily challenges of her illness. Linda responded with a quiet strength. “You learn to adjust. I focus on what I can do. I can still listen to music, I can still read, I can still spend time with family and friends. Life changes, but it doesn’t stop.” Her honesty resonated with viewers, many of whom saw her story as a testament to courage in the face of loss.
The interview also touched on her personal life—her Mexican-American heritage, her role as a trailblazer for women in the music industry, and her decision to speak openly about political and social issues at a time when many artists remained silent. Sawyer highlighted how Ronstadt’s voice was not only powerful in song but also in speaking truth to power.
Perhaps the most emotional moment came when Sawyer asked Linda what she misses most about singing. With a wistful smile, Ronstadt replied, “Harmony. Singing with others, blending voices together—that’s what I miss the most. Music is about connection, and that’s something you never stop longing for.”
By the end of the interview, it was clear that Linda Ronstadt’s legacy goes far beyond her extraordinary voice. She remains a symbol of authenticity, strength, and artistry. Even in silence, she continues to inspire, reminding the world that true greatness is not just about what you create, but how you live when creation is no longer possible.
Diane Sawyer’s exclusive interview revealed the essence of Linda Ronstadt—not just a superstar, but a woman of grace, resilience, and unshakable spirit.
