Introduction:
In a heartfelt interview with CBS Sunday Morning, legendary American singer and songwriter Neil Diamond revealed his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he was first diagnosed with in 2018. Known worldwide for timeless hits such as Sweet Caroline and Cracklin’ Rosie, Diamond spoke candidly about the challenges of facing his illness, the long road toward acceptance, and how the experience has reshaped his outlook on life.
When Diamond first received the diagnosis, he was in the midst of his 50th Anniversary World Tour. He had already performed across the United States and Europe, but upon learning of his condition, the remaining dates in Australia and New Zealand were canceled. Soon after, he announced his retirement from touring. At the time, he admitted, he was not prepared to face the reality of Parkinson’s. “I was in denial for the first two years,” he shared, describing how he initially brushed off the doctor’s words. “I said, ‘Okay, I’ll see you whenever you want to see me, but I have work to do.’”
For years, the singer struggled to come to terms with the diagnosis. Only recently, Diamond explained, has he begun to fully accept the new reality of living with Parkinson’s. “I can’t really fight this thing, so I had to accept it,” he said. “There’s no cure, no getting away from it. You can’t just say, ‘Okay, enough already, let’s get back to life.’ It doesn’t work like that. But I’ve come to accept what limitations I have, and I still have great days.”
Acceptance, he emphasized, is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process. While acknowledging that he does not like the situation, Diamond expressed gratitude for the perspective it has given him. “This is the hand that God’s given me, and I have to make the best of it. And so I am.”
That shift in perspective has brought with it a surprising sense of peace. Diamond described how a calmness has entered his life, likening it to the stillness of a recording studio. “Things have gotten very quiet. I find that I like myself better. I’m easier on people, and I’m easier on myself.”
Though he no longer performs on the road, Diamond has not lost his passion for music or life. Instead, he is learning to embrace each day as it comes, appreciating the journey rather than mourning what has been lost. “I just have to take life as it comes to me,” he reflected. “Enjoy it, be thankful. I’ve had a great life—especially having the life that I’ve had.”
For fans who have cherished his music for decades, Diamond’s words are a reminder of both the resilience of the human spirit and the power of acceptance. His songs will continue to echo through generations, ensuring that, in his own words, “the beat goes on, and it will go on long after I’m gone.”