It was in 2011 that the legendary singer Linda Ronstadt was diagnosed with supranuclear palsy, which sadly took away her ability to sing. Now, ten years later, Ronstadt is speaking out to talk about how much she misses singing as she updates fans on her life today.

Ronstadt explained that she found music early in life, and she loved it from the very beginning.

“I think I was about 2 when I knew I was going to sing,” she told Closer Weekly. “I always sang. I loved it. But I guess I just didn’t know I was going to be famous or a star or anything like that.”

Sadly, Ronstadt was forced to retire from music in 2011 after a lifetime of performing. When asked if she can play any music today, the 75 year-old said, “I can’t play the guitar or piano, and I can’t sing at all. I miss it and I miss knitting. I can’t do that either. I’m just lucky I can still read.”

Nevertheless, Ronstadt still tries to enjoy her life today and focus on her loving family and friends. She also still enjoys music in other ways, despite not being able to partake in it herself.

“It’s fairly tranquil,” she said of her current life. “I have a lot of support and a lot of family and friends, so I am content. YouTube has endless operatic performances, and I love opera. I also love ballet. I’m looking forward to the day when we can gather in a theater and see something great again.”

Ronstadt also stays busy working with the Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy in California, which teaches music and art to underserved children.

“It’s a group I have been working with for almost 30 years,” she explained. “They run about 30 kids a week through this cultural center, where they learn traditional Mexican music. They learn how to play traditional instruments, how to dance traditional dances, and they learn how to sing. It’s a very dicey neighborhood, and it gives the kids a place to go after school.”

“Children need real art in their lives — not the stuff you watch on television,” she added. “Art is essential for processing your feelings, connecting to your origins and who you are. Children need to be instructed in it so they can process their feelings.”

Finally, when asked what her life motto would be, Ronstadt said, “Do what you’re doing. Whatever you’re doing, put your whole concentration into it and do it right.”