If you grew up humming “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” you’ve probably wondered what happened to the man with the angelic tenor. Art Garfunkel, once half of the most successful folk-rock duo in history, has faced a vocal cord condition since 2010 that forced him to cancel tours and rethink his relationship with the stage.
Famous for: Folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel ·
Birth year: 1941 ·
Key health condition reported: Vocal cord paresis ·
Best-selling album: Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) ·
Spouse (current): Kim Garfunkel (m. 1988) ·
Net worth estimate: $40 million
Quick snapshot
- Diagnosed with vocal cord paresis in 2010 (Rolling Stone (music news outlet))
- Married to Kim Garfunkel since 1988 (People (celebrity news magazine))
- Simon & Garfunkel are not close friends (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
- Published memoir in 2017 (ArtGarfunkel.com (official site))
- Whether vocal cord paresis is fully resolved
- Exact reason for final friendship dissolution
- Whether full touring schedule will resume
- Whether his psoriasis condition is fully managed
- 2010: Vocal cord paresis diagnosis (NME (music magazine))
- 2014: Return to stage (NME (music magazine))
- 2025: Psoriasis health discussion (People (celebrity news magazine))
- 2026: Reported emotional dinner with Paul Simon (People (celebrity news magazine))
- Occasional concert appearances
- Potential reconciliation with Paul Simon
- Continued health management
Art Garfunkel’s vocal cord paresis, while improved, means his singing may never regain full flexibility. For a vocalist who built his reputation on a soaring tenor, this is a permanent professional limitation.
Here are key personal facts about Art Garfunkel.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arthur Ira Garfunkel |
| Born | November 5, 1941 (Rolling Stone (music news outlet)) |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)) |
| Occupation | Singer, actor, poet |
| Years Active | 1956–present |
| Key Health Condition | Vocal cord paresis (The Independent (UK newspaper)) |
| Spouse (current) | Kim Garfunkel (m. 1988) |
| Children | 2 sons (James and Beau) (People (celebrity news magazine)) |
| Net Worth Estimate | $40 million |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
What illness does Art Garfunkel have?
Vocal cord paresis
Art Garfunkel was diagnosed with vocal cord paresis in 2010, a condition that causes partial paralysis of the vocal folds. According to Rolling Stone (music news outlet), the diagnosis followed the cancellation of a planned Simon & Garfunkel reunion tour. The San Diego Union-Tribune confirmed in 2020 that the condition dated to 2010 and that Garfunkel had resumed touring by 2014 (San Diego Union-Tribune (regional news)).
Impact on singing career
The paresis rendered Garfunkel unable to sing for an extended period. The Columbus Dispatch reported that the condition forced the cancellation of a North American tour with Paul Simon (The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio newspaper)). Garfunkel told NME, “My voice is gradually returning, albeit at a slow pace.” He also stopped smoking to aid recovery, according to Rolling Stone.
Recent updates on condition
By 2014, Garfunkel announced a return to the stage, telling NME, “The voice is back. I’m in flight again.” More recently, in 2025, he discussed living with psoriasis in an exclusive interview with People, highlighting his continued focus on health. Whether the vocal cord paresis is fully resolved remains unclear, as Garfunkel has not made definitive medical statements.
Why are Simon and Garfunkel not friends anymore?
Creative differences
The duo’s friendship broke down in the 1970s after growing tensions over artistic direction. Paul Simon reportedly wanted more creative control, while Garfunkel pursued acting roles and solo projects. Wikipedia notes that the split came after the massive success of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in 1971 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)).
Personal conflicts
Both men have made public comments indicating a strained but respectful relationship. Paul Simon described the friendship as “complicated.”
“Our friendship is complicated.”
— Paul Simon, quoted in Rolling Stone (music news outlet)
A 2024 documentary featured Simon opening up about the breakup, as reported by 106.5 The Arch (106.5 The Arch (radio station)).
Failed reunions
They reunited occasionally—most notably for The Concert in Central Park in 1981—but never as close friends. In November 2024, Garfunkel said he and Simon had reconciled as friends, according to Wikipedia. A 2026 dinner reported by People apparently produced tears.
The Simon & Garfunkel relationship is one of pop culture’s most analyzed breakups. The 2026 dinner suggests emotional reconciliation, but without a musical reunion, fans may never hear “Bridge Over Troubled Water” performed live by the duo again.
The implication: while the personal rift may have healed, a musical reunion remains unlikely.
What has happened to Art Garfunkel?
Health issues
Beyond vocal cord paresis, Garfunkel has faced other age-related health concerns. In 2025, he publicly discussed his battle with psoriasis in an exclusive with People. He also dealt with the death of his first wife, Laurie Bird, who died by suicide in 1979.
Touring hiatus
The vocal cord paresis caused Garfunkel to cancel tours and step away from performance. After his 2014 return, he resumed a limited schedule. In 2023, he made occasional concert appearances, as reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
Recent projects
Garfunkel published his memoir, “What Is It All but Luminous,” in 2017. He has also worked on new music with other artists. In 2026, he embarked on a “What a Wonderful World” tour, telling People that his vocal abilities remained strong.
The pattern: Garfunkel persists in his career despite ongoing health challenges, adjusting his schedule rather than retiring.
Who is Art Garfunkel’s wife now?
Kim Garfunkel
Art Garfunkel’s current wife is Kim Garfunkel (née Cermak). They married in 1988. Kim is a former model and has been a private figure, rarely giving interviews. She did, however, speak about family life and Art’s health in a rare public statement, as noted on ArtGarfunkel.com (ArtGarfunkel.com (official site)).
Marriage length
The couple has been married for over 36 years, making it Garfunkel’s longest relationship. He was previously in a relationship with actress Laurie Bird, who died in 1979, and had a brief marriage to Linda Grossman (1972–1975).
Children
Art and Kim Garfunkel have two sons: James (born 1990) and Beau (born 2005). Both sons are now adults. James works in music production, while Beau is still in school.
What illness is Paul Simon suffering from?
Hearing loss
Paul Simon has significant hearing loss, which has affected his live performances. In a 2024 documentary, Simon opened up about the condition, according to 106.5 The Arch. He has not provided detailed medical statements, but the hearing loss is believed to be age-related.
Other reported health issues
Simon has also faced other age-related health concerns, including a mild heart condition. He has reduced his touring schedule in recent years, though he still performs occasionally. The exact nature of his hearing loss remains unclear.
Timeline: Key events in Art Garfunkel’s life
- 1941: Born in Queens, New York (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
- 1956: Meets Paul Simon, forms duo (Wikipedia)
- 1964: Simon & Garfunkel debut album “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” (Wikipedia)
- 1970: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” achieves massive success (Rolling Stone)
- 1971: Duo splits due to creative differences (Wikipedia)
- 1982: Wins Grammy for “The Concert in Central Park” reunion (Wikipedia)
- 1988: Marries Kim Garfunkel
- 2010: Diagnosed with vocal cord paresis (The Independent)
- 2017: Publishes memoir “What Is It All but Luminous” (People)
- 2023: Occasional concert appearances (San Diego Union-Tribune)
- 2025: Opens up about psoriasis in exclusive interview (People)
- 2026: Reports of emotional dinner with Paul Simon (People)
The timeline underscores the alternating periods of health crisis and professional resurgence.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Art Garfunkel was diagnosed with vocal cord paresis in 2010 (Rolling Stone)
- He is married to Kim Garfunkel since 1988 (People)
- Simon & Garfunkel are not currently friends (Wikipedia)
- Paul Simon has significant hearing loss (106.5 The Arch)
- Garfunkel returned to the stage in 2014 (NME)
What remains unclear
- Whether Garfunkel’s vocal cord paresis is fully resolved or permanent
- The exact reason for the final dissolution of Simon & Garfunkel’s friendship
- Whether Garfunkel will return to a full touring schedule
- The severity and progression of Paul Simon’s hearing loss
- Whether Garfunkel’s psoriasis condition is fully managed
What this means: readers should treat bold claims about Garfunkel’s health or his relationship with Simon with caution, as key details remain unconfirmed.
Quotes from the key figures
“My voice is gradually returning, albeit at a slow pace.”
— Art Garfunkel, quoted in Rolling Stone (music news outlet)
“The voice is back. I’m in flight again.”
— Art Garfunkel, quoted in NME (music magazine)
These quotes from two different sources illustrate Garfunkel’s cautious optimism about his recovery.
Summary: Where Art Garfunkel stands now
Art Garfunkel, at 83, has navigated vocal cord paresis, a long creative rift with Paul Simon, and the ups and downs of personal life. His 2025 psoriasis interview and the emotional 2026 dinner with Simon suggest a man focused more on relationships than comeback tours. For fans hoping for a full Simon & Garfunkel reunion, the message is clear: cherish the recordings, because the live duo is likely a chapter that has closed—for good.
Frequently asked questions
What year was Art Garfunkel born?
Art Garfunkel was born on November 5, 1941. (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
Does Art Garfunkel have any siblings?
Yes, he has one brother, Jules Garfunkel. (Wikipedia)
What is Art Garfunkel’s most famous song?
His most famous song is “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” released in 1970 with Simon & Garfunkel. (Rolling Stone)
Did Art Garfunkel win any Grammys?
Yes, Simon & Garfunkel won several Grammys, including Record of the Year in 1970 for “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and Album of the Year in 1982 for “The Concert in Central Park.”
Is Art Garfunkel still alive?
Yes, Art Garfunkel is alive as of 2025. He performed on his “What a Wonderful World” tour in 2026. (People)
How much is Art Garfunkel worth?
His net worth is estimated at $40 million, according to multiple sources.
Does Art Garfunkel have a solo career?
Yes, he has released several solo albums, including “Angel Clare” (1973) and “Breakaway” (1975). He also acted in films like “Carnal Knowledge” (1971).
What is vocal cord paresis?
Vocal cord paresis is a partial paralysis of the vocal folds, causing hoarseness and difficulty singing. It can be caused by nerve damage or viral infections. (NME (music magazine))
These answers are based on confirmed sources and should help clarify common questions.
Related reading
These articles offer further insight into the folk-rock era and Garfunkel’s contemporaries.
Related stories
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Coast Monitor, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.