Music icon Neil Diamond, 82, is now bringing his sensational career to life on the Broadway stage, but reflecting on this creation helped the musician in an entirely unexpected way.
In 2018 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, an affliction he shares with another star, actor Michael J Fox who was diagnosed in 1991.
The condition affects the nervous system and movement, progressing in its severity over time, and currently has no cure.
Speaking to CBS Sunday Morning, the musician admitted that when he was first diagnosed he simply wasn’t in the space to accept what the doctors were telling him as he was in the middle of his 50 Year Anniversary World Tour.
Ultimately, the star cancelled the Oceania leg of his tour following his diagnosis, shocking fans with the news.
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Five years later the Sweet Caroline singer notes he’s still in the process of coming to terms with living with Parkinson’s.
He said: “I don’t like it but this is me. This is what I have to accept and I’m willing to do it.
“This is the hand that God’s given me, and I have to make the best of it, and so I am. I am.”
Neil noted that only “in the last few weeks” has he been able to process what his diagnosis means for his life ahead.
He continued: “A calm has moved [into] the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet.
“I like it. I find that I like myself better. I’m easier on people. I’m easier on myself.
“The beat goes on, and it will go on long after I’m gone.”
Speaking to Parade in 2021 Neil revealed he was starting to experience some of the “challenges” the condition causes.
However, the optimistic rockstar added: “I feel very positive about it. I’m feeling better every day. [I’m] just dealing with it as best I can, and just keep the music coming.
“I want to stay productive, I just can’t do the travelling that I once did, but I have my wife there supporting me (and) friends.”
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