Neil Diamond stopped performing live five years ago after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
However, the singer allegedly told “CBS Sunday Morning” that he only recently accepted the diagnosis.
“I think this has just been in the last few weeks,” the 82-year-old Neil Diamond told the broadcaster Anthony Mason in the interview, which will appear on Sunday, according to CBS News.
“I dislike it. But… this is me, and I must embrace it. And I’m ready to do it. And, OK, so this is the hand that God has dealt me, and I must make the best of it, which I am doing. I am.”
According to CBS, Neil Diamond stated that accepting his circumstance has positively impacted him.
Neil Diamond
“Somehow, the hurricane of my life has passed, and things have gotten very quiet, as quiet as this recording studio,” he explained. “I also like it. I’m starting to like myself more. I’m kinder to others. I’m kinder to myself. And the rhythm continues, and it will continue long after I’m gone.”
Diamond’s music will live on thanks to the recent premiere of “Beautiful Noise,” a stage musical based on his story.
Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond opens up to Anthony Mason about coming to terms with his Parkinson’s diagnosis, his career, and the Broadway show based on his life of @beautifulnoise this “Sunday Morning.” pic.twitter.com/zmi7v5YYrk
— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) March 31, 2023
In January 2018, Diamond announced his retirement from the stage but vowed to “remain active in writing, recording, and other projects for a long time to come.”
In July of that year, he briefly came out of retirement to perform a few songs, including “Sweet Caroline,” to firefighters fighting a massive fire in Colorado.
During the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, diamond attempted to encourage social distancing in March 2020 by rewriting the “touching me, touching you” line in “Sweet Caroline.”
