This Man Was a Famous ’80s Singer Who Stopped Touring Due to Parkinson’s – Inside His Family Life

Born in Brooklyn, New York, this future star was a bright, ambitious child with a knack for academics. Raised in a close-knit Jewish family, he excelled in school and pursued higher education, enrolling at New York University to study medicine.

Despite his intellectual pursuits, his heart yearned for something entirely different. Music had always been his passion, and as time passed, it became clear that it was more than a passing interest — it was his calling.

Leaving behind a promising future in medicine, the singer chose the unpredictable yet exhilarating path of a musician, a decision that would change his life forever.

His talent and dedication paid off as his career took off. Starting as a songwriter, he quickly gained recognition for his ability to craft deeply emotional and relatable lyrics.

Before long, his smooth voice and unique style propelled him into the spotlight, earning him fans across the United States and eventually worldwide.

By the 1980s, he was a household name, with hit songs such as “Cherry, Cherry,” “Solitary Man,” and “Song Sung Blue” that resonated across generations and solidified his place as one of the most iconic performers of his era.

However, fame came at a cost. With international tours and demanding recording schedules, he frequently stayed away from home, separated from the people he loved most.

Reflecting on those years, the famous singer admitted, “There were always tears. The kids cried. My wives cried. I cried. […] I walk around with a sense of guilt still because I left them more than I should have, but the work required it.”

He was first married to his high school sweetheart, Jayne Posner, with whom he had two daughters, Marjorie and Elyn. While their love story began in their youth, the pressures of fame and constant travel ultimately proved too much, and their marriage ended.

He later wed Marcia Murphey, the mother of his sons, Jesse and Micah. Despite their deep connection, this union also ended in divorce. After his second divorce, the “Sweet Caroline” singer avoided marriage for nearly two decades. “That’s how scared I was to get involved […],” he confessed.

He reflected on his past relationships, “I had every possible chance to do it right. Both are spectacular women. I felt if I couldn’t make something wonderful and lifelong happen with them, then maybe I wasn’t capable of it.”

He continued, “But I’m throwing myself back in because I like being married. I don’t want to end this whole fabulous journey alone. […] I’ve finally found somebody who’s up to the task of being my wife because I’m very high maintenance.”

When asked during an interview what he meant by “high maintenance,” the star explained, “Well, when I need my wife or when I need companionship or someone to talk to, I need it, like, now. […] And in the same way, I would tend to hers. That’s not such an easy thing to do.”

Despite his hesitations and fears, he found love again with Katie McNeil, a woman who brought him joy and stability. In 2011, the singer shared the happy news on X, formerly Twitter.

He wrote in part, “Good news coming from sunny LA […] Katie & I just got engaged […].” The two were married the following year, and she has been by his side ever since, supporting him through life’s ups and downs.

Facing Parkinson’s with Grace and Family by His Side

The renowned performer, whose career spanned decades and included ten No. 1 singles like “Cracklin’ Rosie” and “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” revealed life-altering news in 2018.

Having sold over 130 million albums worldwide and built an unparalleled legacy, he announced his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that would force him to retire from touring.

The revelation marked the end of an era. His official website explained, “The onset of the disease has made it difficult to travel and perform on a large scale basis […].”

The star added, “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.”

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude, “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 decision to leave the stage was far from easy for the performer, who had thrived in the spotlight for much of his life. “OK, so this is the hand that God’s given me, and I have to make the best of it, and so I am. I’ve come to accept what limitations I have and still have great days,” he shared.

Reflecting on his time performing, he remarked, “It’s the high point of an entertainer’s career when you get up on stage and go in front of your audience, particularly people who have been loyal and loving to you for years.”

However, the unpredictability of Parkinson’s disease, which affects both mobility and coordination, made the long months of travel required for touring impossible.

Tom Hensley, a longtime member of the singer’s touring band, explained, “It’s hard to perform because you never know, and it’s too expensive to cancel a show.”

Sharing his diagnosis was a deeply personal moment for the singer, who admitted, “Being found out is the scariest thing you can hope because we all have a facade.”

In this chapter of his life, Neil Diamond, now 83, found new ways to cherish what mattered most. While he could no longer command the stage, he devoted his energy to his family, who had always been a central part of his life.

Neil is now a grandfather, as his son Jesse has a son named Elijah. The singer’s grandson is a model who often shares his own adventures on his social media page. “So handsome,” one social media user commented on one of his posts.

“You look so much like Neil,” another person shared, while a third typed, “Wow you’re so pretty.” On the other hand, Elijah’s father has given fans glimpses into their family’s life.

In August 2023, Jesse shared photos on Instagram of the Diamond family enjoying a camping trip with Neil front and center. Fans quickly commented on how well he still looked, a testament to his enduring spirit.

Neil’s tours were always a family affair, with his children and wife cheering him on from the wings. As longtime band member Julia Waters revealed, “He loves family, so our whole organization is like a big family.”

That love has been carried into his days offstage, where he now enjoys the quiet moments and the company of his loved ones. Reflecting on his age over a decade ago, Neil remarked, “I definitely don’t feel like I’m 71. I feel like I did when I was between 30 and 40. The body ages. The mind doesn’t.”

Yet, the changes in his life also brought unexpected moments of clarity. “Somehow, a calm has moved [into] the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet,” he reflected.

“I like it. I find that I like myself better. 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,” he added.

Though his touring days are behind him, Neil Diamond continues to inspire, not just through his music but through embracing life’s challenges with grace, humility, and a renewed appreciation for the people around him.