Art Garfunkel Gets Candid About His Relationship with Paul Simon, and If the Two Will Ever Reunite (Exclusive)

Art Garfunkel knows fans are holding out hope for a Simon & Garfunkel reunion, and the 83-year-old isn't necessarily giving up hope himself.

Speaking to PEOPLE about his longtime experience with psoriasis and working with ILUMYA's "I LUV YA for The Long Haul" campaign, Garfunkel tells PEOPLE that he is back in touch with Paul Simon.

From 1964 to 1970, the duo released a total of five studio albums as Simon & Garfunkel before splitting up. Over the years the two musicians would meet, notably once in 1981 for a special benefit concert in Central Park, but notoriously had an unsteady relationship. The duo reunited in 2024, Garfunkel said at the time, and talked about their previously fractured relationship. 

"We talked, and his honesty made me weep," Garfunkel tells PEOPLE. "I have always loved my partner, and I know that is reciprocal. Reunion? It is a significant question. Paul and I will keep talking. We may give it a try and see where it leads. You never know. Paul is touring right now, and I applaud him for being so generous and innovative. My partner is an amazing talent."  

Simon, 83, just began his A Quiet Celebration Tour, a happy surprise for fans following his retirement announcement in 2018. The music icon — who was recently joined by Sabrina Carpenter on SNL 50, where together they performed a live rendition of the Simon & Garfunkel song “Homeward Bound” — previously went public with the news that he is experiencing hearing loss.

"Watching Paul perform 'Homeward Bound' on SNL's 50th anniversary was lovely. Sabrina Carpenter is a talented young lady. It was nice to see the response the audience gave them," Garfunkel shares. " 'Homeward Bound’ is a very beautiful Simon & Garfunkel song, and to see Paul and my early work together so beautifully received affirms what we still mean to people of every age. I am very grateful, and I know Paul is too." 

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Garfunkel reflects back on his discography, remarking that the longevity of his songs has surprised him over the years. 

“The songs have lives of their own. What becomes popular? What does not resonate with an audience? You make the music and then you simply let go of it," he says.

"We have been blessed with extraordinary success. For context? Van Gogh today is recognized as a peerless master. In his lifetime, he never sold a single painting,” he continues. " 'Sound of Silence’ did not become popular until it was remixed and re-released. ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ has become a hymn of sorts. That song is played all over the world, every day. At least that is what our royalty checks tell us," he adds with a laugh.

Garfunkel is grateful for the lasting impact that Simon & Garfunkel has, and continues to have, on music fans. 

"I once said that we, as human beings, are inherently drawn to great melodies and meaningful lyrics. A truly great song is timeless, evoking deep emotions and garnering genuine appreciation," he shares. "I am grateful our music has found that esteem. Individually and collectively, Simon & Garfunkel have created music that people apparently never stop loving."