Neil Diamond is 82! 'Sweet Caroline' hitmaker reveals how wife Katie, 53, helps him stay productive

The singer opened up about his life and plans for the future, amid his struggle with Parkinson's disease

PUBLISHED JAN 24, 2023

Neil Diamond turned 82 on January 24, 2023 (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Singer and songwriter Neil Diamond turned 82 on Tuesday, January, 24. In this time, he has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time.

Diamond's Instagram page posted a video of him making a surprise appearance on stage on the opening night of 'The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise' on December 7, 2022. The singer looked strong and healthy as he enchanted the crowd with his music. He joined the cast of the Broadway program in singing his iconic song 'Sweet Caroline'.

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Diamond said he was staying active and doing well, as per USA Today. He revealed, "Well, I'm doing pretty well. I'm active. I take my meds. I do my workouts. I'm in pretty good shape. I'm feeling good. I want to stay productive. I still have my boys. I just can't do the traveling that I once did, but I have my wife there supporting me (and) friends."

In January 2018, the celebrity announced his retirement and postponed the third leg of his 50th anniversary tour following his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. The musician acknowledged that his diagnosis had presented problems, but he also expressed optimism about the future. He explained how he was managing his illness as best he could, feeling better every day, and that he planned to keep making music, as per Amomama.

(AFP OUT) Neil Diamond and Katie McNeil arrive for the formal Artist's Dinner honoring the recipients of the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors hosted by United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the U.S. Department of State December 3, 2011 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama will host the five recipients of the 34th Kennedy Center Honors at a White House reception Sunday before attending the evening gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The 2011 honorees are actress Meryl Streep, singer Neil Diamond, actress Barbara Cook, musician Yo-Yo Ma, and musician Sonny Rollins.. — Neil Diamond and Katie McNeil in Washington, DC, 2011. (Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images)

Diamond's third wife, Katie McNeil Diamond, 53, is considerably younger than him. She worked as a producer, and some of the films she produced were 'Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj' released in 2006, 'Heart: Alive in Seattle' and 'Underneath Acoustic Live' released in 2004. The couple got married on April 21, 2012. Diamond revealed that he was a demanding husband, confessing, "I want someone by my side who I love and who loves me. I've finally found somebody who’s up to the task of being my wife because I’m very high maintenance." Being high maintenance, according to the star, meant having a wife, a friend, or someone he could talk to right away. His wife had to stop whatever she was doing at the time, in order to meet his needs. Katie admitted that she was apprehensive to date Diamond at first, but she eventually gave in.

Katie McNeil (L) and recording artist Neil Diamond attend Capitol Records 75th Anniversary Gala at Capitol Records Tower on November 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. — Katie McNeil (L) and Neil Diamond attend Capitol Records 75th Anniversary Gala at Capitol Records Tower on November 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

In addition to having a supportive wife, Diamond was fortunate to have a loving family, which includes his eight grandchildren. The star's grandchildren ranges from ages 5 to 22. The musician wants to perform live again someday but is also aware that it might never happen due to his illness.