Neil Diamond, a legendary singer, songwriter and performer known for classics such as “Sweet Caroline” and “Song Sung Blue,” has been candid about his battle with Parkinson’s disease since receiving the diagnosis in 2018. Despite finding it challenging to come to terms with the condition at first, Diamond is making the best of it and continuing to create music. In a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Diamond opened up about how he’s coping and where his journey has taken him.
Overcoming Denial
Diamond’s biggest hurdle after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s was denial. In the CBS interview, he recounted how he tried to ignore the symptoms at first and didn’t immediately seek treatment. It was only after his wife urged him to confront the issue that he began taking medication and accepting the diagnosis. The process took two years, but now Diamond is learning how to live with Parkinson’s.
Continued Musical Passion
One of the most inspiring aspects of Diamond’s story is how he has remained committed to creating music despite Parkinson’s. In December 2021, he made a surprise appearance at the opening night of “A Beautiful Noise,” the Broadway show about his life and career. He even led the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Sweet Caroline,” proving that his voice still resonates just as strongly as it ever did.
Acceptance and Growth
Diamond admits that it wasn’t easy coming to terms with Parkinson’s, but he has learned a lot about himself in the process. He feels like he has become more accepting of himself and others, which makes him happier overall. He also mentioned that singing can still bring him joy and likes the feeling of all systems in his mind and body working together as one.
Reflection on Life
Parkinson’s has given Diamond plenty of time to reflect on his life and career. He realizes that he’s had a lot of success and feels grateful for all the memories he’s made along the way. He has come to terms with his past mistakes in relationships and now looks ahead to the future with a new perspective.
Conclusion
Despite facing incredible challenges in recent years, Neil Diamond remains a beacon of hope for anyone who’s struggling with Parkinson’s or any other disease. His resilience and continued love for music are an inspiration to us all. As Diamond likes to say, “The beat goes on,” and we hope that it will continue to do so for many years to come.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
