Neil Diamond Reveals the Secret He Kept for Nearly 10 Years After His Parkinson’s Diagnosis
In a rare and emotional interview in 2023, Neil Diamond finally opened up about something he had kept hidden for nearly a decade: his private battle with Parkinson’s disease and the psychological toll it took on him.
Diagnosed back in 2012 but only publicly announcing it in 2018, the legendary singer admitted that he went through years of denial. “I was in complete denial for a long time,” Neil confessed, “I just wasn’t ready to let go of the stage.” His struggle wasn’t only physical—it was deeply emotional. “The hardest part,” he said, “was letting go of who I used to be.”
Neil admitted that while he stepped away from touring, he continued writing music quietly, even recording in his private studio. But the burden of hiding his condition grew heavier. “I couldn’t lie to my fans anymore,” he said. The turning point came during the filming of the Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise, based on his life. Seeing someone portray his younger self on stage triggered something inside him.
“I realized I had to make peace with the truth,” he said. “I am not the same man I was—but I still have something to give.”
Since then, Neil has become more open, even giving candid performances like his surprise rendition of “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway Park in 2022. His vulnerability has inspired many fans, especially those battling illness or aging.
Now 84, Neil says he’s at peace. “This is my new life,” he smiled. “And I’m learning to love it.”