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Neil Diamond says he's 'calm' after coming to terms with crushing health diagnosis

Neil Diamond revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Legendary singer Neil Diamond, 82, has recently opened up about his experience of living with Parkinson’s five years after he revealed he had been diagnosed with the disease and had to drop out of touring. The ‘Hello Again’ singer revealed in an interview that even though he was still trying to grasp the neurological condition that limits muscle movement, he has come to accept the disease.

In the interview given to CBS' 'Sunday Morning', the ‘Sweet Caroline’ hitmaker said, “I'm still doing it. And I don't like it,” referring to his condition, adding, “OK, so this is the hand that God's given me, and I have to make the best of it, and so I am.” Even though ‘The Jazz Singer’ actor first revealed his condition in 2018, he was initially “in denial”. 

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“I was in denial for the first year or two. When the doctor told me what it was, I was just not ready to accept it,” explained the ‘I said I am’ singer, adding, “I said, "Oh, OK. I'll see you, you know, whenever you wanna see me. But I have work to do, so I'll see you later”.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer then admitted that he had to accept it as he “can’t really fight”. “I can't really fight this thing, so I had to accept it, this Parkinson's disease,” explained the ‘Heartlight’ singer before adding, “There's no cure. There's no getting away from it.”

Divulging more details about his mental state, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Winner of 2018 said, “You can't just say, 'OK, enough already. Let's get back to life." It doesn't work like that,” and further added, “But I've come to accept what limitations I have, and still have great days.”

He also said in the interview that as he accepted his condition, “a calm has moved into the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet, as quiet as this recording studio.” He has discovered he is liking himself more in this way as he said, “I find that I like myself better,” before continuing “I'm easier on people, I'm easier on myself. And the beat goes on, and it will go on long after I'm gone.”

Nonetheless, the good thing is that he was no longer averse to the idea of touring again. After saying he was thankful he could sing till now and accepting the idea  of touring again, the ‘Song Song Blue’ singer concluded, “I just have to take life as it comes to me, enjoy it, be thankful that I've had it, especially having the life that I've had”. 

Neil Diamond's heartbreaking announcement in 2018

In 2018, after being diagnosed with the disease, the music icon announced his sudden retirement from music. He also canceled the then upcoming Australia-New Zealand tour. During that time, he wrote on his website, “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years,” adding,”My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows."

However, he also said, "I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come. My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”

'The GOAT'

""You are the sun..I am the moon..you are the words..I am the tune..play me"...I hope he truly realizes how much his music has meant to the world..," commented one fan. Another said, "Take it easy Neil. You deserve it. You’ve given the world of music a gem, you are a real diamond." "Original, unvarnished and honest, just like his music. The GOAT!" revered another fan. "Its sad to see him physically breaking down and sounding weak. This man is a national treasure," commented the fourth.

Another netizen said, "Neil Diamond is a true icon, and his bravery and honesty in facing Parkinson's is both inspiring and humbling. Can't wait to hear more from him on @CBSSunday Morning! #BeautifulNoise". As Diamond's plight with Parkinson's resonated with netizens, a fan commented, "It takes a while to come to accept this PD inconvenience in life. It took me 2 years, but I am happy and fight each day with PD. Neil Diamond, you are my hero!" Another fan shared, "I got my diagnosis in 2017 at the age of 59. When I found out I could not accept it because I was a very vibrant physically fit person with a preschool exercise program business and I was in denial for about 2 years. I finally accepted it and will not let it rule me." "Have loved Neil Diamond and his music from the first time I heard it back in the 70s. Was so sorry to hear he was dealing with an illness a while back but am happy to hear he has been able to make peace with it. Hope to see his show one day," commented the other.

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