Linda Ronstadt’s Brother Reveals How She Has Coped With Losing Her Voice to Parkinson’s Disease

In the new issue of Closer Weekly, Linda Ronstadt’s brother, Peter Ronstadt, opens up about the Grammy winner’s life after music.

In 2013, Linda’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease caused Linda to lose her ability to sing. Though devastating, “She doesn’t complain about it,” Peter tells Closer exclusively. “She just gets on with business and does what she can.”

Linda in 1968.

Linda, 70, draws on the strength she found coming up in the music business. “She really did have to struggle,” Peter reveals. “She was not an overnight success.” Instead, he explains, “She never gave up — whether it was music or anything else.”

MORE: Burt Reynolds Is Determined to Stay Strong as He Struggles With Illness

He recalls her years as an adolescent with dreams of being Hopalong Cassidy: “She would ride her pony and it would buck her off. I would look out the window, and here would come the pony and no Linda. About 10 minutes later, Linda was stomping up the same path.”

She now applies that perseverance to living with her disease. “She stays up to date on what kind of medical treatment is available,” said Peter. And she wastes no time thinking, as her song goes, “poor, poor pitiful me.”

MORE: Elton John Health Scare: Singer Cancels Concert After Contracting Deadly Infection

Rather, she has found other ways to spend her days, and music remains a big part of her life. She goes to concerts and also spends time with her two adopted children, Mary, 26, and Carlos, 23, who are musicians.

“She is doing her best with what she’s got,” said Peter. “She’s an inspiration.”

For more on Linda and her life today, pick up the new issue of Closer Weekly on newsstands now!

For more exclusive news from Closer Weekly, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!