Life Today for Neil Diamond at 84: His Battle with Parkinson’s and What Keeps Him Going

At 84 years old, Neil Diamond still carries the same warmth in his eyes that made millions fall in love with his music, but his life today is quieter, gentler, and shaped by a battle he never expected to fight. In 2018, Neil revealed to the world that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and balance. The announcement came hand in hand with the news that he would retire from touring—an emotional moment for both the artist and the fans who had filled stadiums to hear him sing for decades.

For a man whose life had been built around the energy of the stage, stepping away wasn’t easy. “I’ve always been a performer,” he admitted in an interview. “To know I couldn’t give my audience the show they deserved—that’s what hurt the most.” But Neil’s spirit never faded. While Parkinson’s has slowed his steps, it has not dimmed his voice or his passion for songwriting. He continues to spend time in his home studio, jotting down lyrics, working on melodies, and finding comfort in the craft that has been his constant companion for over 60 years.

These days, Neil’s routine is grounded in simplicity and connection. Mornings often begin with quiet walks or light exercise recommended by his doctors. Afternoons are for writing, listening to old records, or playing the guitar. Music is still at the heart of his life—not the roaring, spotlight-soaked music of sold-out tours, but the intimate kind, where a single chord can spark a memory.

What truly keeps Neil going is love—love from his wife, Katie McNeil, who has been by his side through the challenges of his diagnosis, and love from the fans who continue to send letters, messages, and stories about how his songs became the soundtrack to their lives. He has spoken openly about how much that connection means to him, calling it “the best medicine” he could ask for.

Though he no longer stands under the hot stage lights, Neil Diamond’s presence in music is as strong as ever. His songs—Sweet Caroline, Hello Again, I Am… I Said—still ring out in ballparks, weddings, and quiet moments at home. And for Neil, that’s the legacy worth holding on to: knowing that long after the spotlight fades, the music will keep on singing.

Video