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Linda Ronstadt Opens Up About Health, Career, Mexican Heritage
For decades, Linda Ronstadt has stood as one of the most remarkable voices in American music. From rock and pop to opera and traditional Mexican songs, her ability to move seamlessly across genres made her a groundbreaking artist and one of the best-selling female performers of all time. Now in her late seventies, Ronstadt has opened up with rare honesty about her health, career, and deep connection to her Mexican heritage, offering fans a heartfelt glimpse into the woman behind the music.
Ronstadt’s career began in the 1960s, when she emerged from the Southern California folk-rock scene. By the 1970s, she was a global superstar, delivering hits like “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” and “When Will I Be Loved.” Known as the “First Lady of Rock,” she was one of the few women to dominate a male-driven industry, selling out arenas and earning multiple Grammy Awards. But her career was never about chasing trends. Instead, she followed her heart, embracing music that spoke to her soul, even if it surprised her audience.
One of the boldest moves of her career was recording Canciones de Mi Padre in 1987, an album of traditional Mexican songs that honored her family’s roots. Sung entirely in Spanish, the project was a tribute to the music her father and grandparents cherished. Many in the industry doubted its success, but the album became the biggest-selling non-English language album in American music history. For Ronstadt, it was more than a commercial triumph—it was a personal mission. “I wanted to keep those songs alive,” she explained. “They are part of who I am.”
But while her career soared, Ronstadt faced an unexpected and devastating challenge. In 2013, she revealed that she could no longer sing due to what was initially thought to be Parkinson’s disease, later identified as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological condition. For an artist whose voice was her identity, the diagnosis was life-altering. “I can’t sing a note,” she admitted. “I miss it every day, but I had a long run. I was blessed.”
Despite her illness, Ronstadt has not retreated from the public eye. She continues to speak about her experiences, inspiring others with her resilience. While she can no longer perform, she remains deeply engaged with music—listening, teaching, and encouraging younger generations to honor their cultural heritage. She also takes pride in her legacy as a woman who defied industry expectations, refusing to be boxed into one genre or image.
Reflecting on her journey, Ronstadt says she has no regrets. “I did what I loved. I sang the songs I wanted to sing. That’s all I ever asked for.” Her words remind fans that her story is not just one of stardom, but of courage, authenticity, and cultural pride.
Today, Linda Ronstadt’s voice may be silenced by illness, but her influence continues to echo through the countless artists she inspired and the timeless recordings she left behind. Her legacy is a powerful testament to living truthfully—through music, through heritage, and through the strength to face life’s challenges with grace.
