Showbiz

Iconic 90s rocker who sang at Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s wedding reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

Iconic 90s rocker who sang at Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s wedding reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

Marc Cohn has publicly revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease, five years after being diagnosed.

The 65-year-old GRAMMY winning artist made the shocking health announcement in a post shared to with his 14.6K Instagram followers on Thursday.

In the lengthy message, Cohn explained his reasoning behind keeping the news from the public for years, clarifying that his family has always been aware of his diagnosis.

‘Hi everyone. Marc here… I feel like it’s time to tell you, my fans, what many of my colleagues, friends and family already know. About 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,’ the musician — known for the hit Walking In Memphis — began.

‘I waited this long to tell you about the diagnosis because I needed time to process the unsettling news myself,’ he explained.

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.’

Cohn went on to express his deep commitment to ‘continuing to do shows for as long as possible.’

Walking In Memphis hitmaker Marc Cohn has publicly revealed he is battling Parkinson's disease, five years after being diagnosed; Cohn seen in 2019

Walking In Memphis hitmaker Marc Cohn has publicly revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease, five years after being diagnosed; Cohn seen in 2019 

The 65-year-old GRAMMY winning artist made the shocking health announcement in a post shared to with his 14.6K Instagram followers on Thursday

The 65-year-old GRAMMY winning artist made the shocking health announcement in a post shared to with his 14.6K Instagram followers on Thursday 

‘Some nights have been more difficult than others, but there were moments of healing and deep graтιтude for my ability to stand at the microphone and continue to do the job I love so much,’ he wrote.

‘These past few years have been a time of reflection and a reminder of the preciousness of every moment.’

Read More Ben Affleck looks weary trying on  Dunkin Donuts jersey article image

The Ghost Train singer went on to thank his fans for their endless support and for streaming his music, he also shared that he plans to take his diagnosis as an ‘opportunity to learn.’

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 pᴀssages we all go through. This is just another pᴀssage… another opportunity to learn another dance.’

‘I plan on continuing to do shows for as long as possible. Come meet us on the road somewhere. With love and graтιтude, Marc.’

According to the Cleveland Clinic, those suffering from Parkinson’s generally have a near-normal life expectancy, but the disease does impact brain function over time. 

Marc famously preformed at Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s high-profile wedding on July 16, 2022.

At the time, the musician took to his Instagram to share images of himself chatting with the Argo actor moments before the now exes exchanged vows. 

He also penned a lengthy tribute to the A-list former lovers, revealing that he sang his hits The Things We’ve Handed Down and True Companion per Jennifer’s request.

Marc famously preformed at Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's high-profile wedding on July 16, 2022; seen May 2023

Marc famously preformed at Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s high-profile wedding on July 16, 2022; seen May 2023

In Thursday's post, Cohn expressed his deep commitment to 'continuing to do shows for as long as possible'; seen March 2019

In Thursday’s post, Cohn expressed his deep commitment to ‘continuing to do shows for as long as possible’; seen March 2019

Marc took to his Instagram to share images of himself chatting with the Argo actor moments before the now exes exchanged vows; seen August 2022

Marc took to his Instagram to share images of himself chatting with the Argo actor moments before the now exes exchanged vows; seen August 2022

He also penned a lengthy tribute to the A-list former lovers, revealing that he sang his hits The Things We've Handed Down and True Companion per Jennifer's request; seen August 2022

He also penned a lengthy tribute to the A-list former lovers, revealing that he sang his hits The Things We’ve Handed Down and True Companion per Jennifer’s request; seen August 2022

‘A few weeks ago I got a lovely and unexpected call from @jlo. She asked if I would please come and surprise Ben by performing ‘The Things We’ve Handed Down’ and ‘True Companion’ during their upcoming wedding ceremony,’ she shared in the caption.

‘Apparently those songs held a special meaning for them both and she knew my presence would be extremely moving for her groom. Of course I was honored to be asked and everything went according to plan,’ Marc continued.

‘This pic is of me walking up to Ben at the altar as Jennifer asked me to do. I looked at Ben, who seemed shocked to see me, and said, ‘Your bride brought me here to sing a couple of songs for you. I hear you have great taste in music.”

‘It was truly a magical celebration and I was thrilled to be there. For a songwriter, there is nothing better than seeing how your work impacts others. It really doesn’t get much better than that,’ he finished.

Ben and Jen finalized their divorce earlier this month after separating in August of 2024. According to court documents, the duo cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ for the reason of their split. 

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