Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond has opened up for the first time about the possibility of retiring from performing, citing ongoing health concerns and a desire to step back from the rigors of life on the road. In a candid interview, the 83-year-old music icon, known for hits like *“Sweet Caroline”* and *“America,”* shared that his battle with Parkinson’s disease has made it increasingly difficult for him to continue performing at the level he once did.
Diamond, who revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2018, has mostly stepped away from touring, but this is the first time he has publicly considered the idea of full retirement.
In his interview, Diamond was open about the physical and emotional toll that Parkinson’s has had on him over the last few years.
*”I’ve always loved performing, and it’s something I’ve done for as long as I can remember, but my body is telling me it’s time to slow down. Parkinson’s is a tough disease, and it’s affecting my ability to do what I love,”* Diamond admitted. *”It’s not something I ever imagined I’d have to deal with, but it’s part of life, and I’m learning to live with it.”*
While he has continued to record music and make occasional appearances, Diamond has significantly reduced his live performances since his diagnosis. His decision to stop touring in 2018 was driven by the challenges of Parkinson’s, which affects motor skills, movement, and coordination, making it difficult for him to perform with the energy and stamina he was once known for.
Despite these challenges, Diamond remains positive, expressing gratitude for his long career and the support he has received from fans over the years. *”I’ve been so fortunate to have had such a long and successful career. I’ve been able to live my dream for decades, and I’m grateful for every moment,”* he said.
Diamond also spoke about the emotional difficulty of considering retirement from live performing. Known for his dynamic stage presence and the emotional connection he shares with his audience, Diamond admitted that stepping away has been one of the hardest decisions of his life.
*”Performing has been my life, it’s who I am,”* Diamond explained. *”There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being on stage, hearing the audience sing along, and sharing those moments together. It’s hard to think about not doing that anymore.”*
While he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, Diamond’s words suggest that he is coming to terms with the reality that his days of performing in large arenas may be behind him. However, he left the door open for possible appearances, noting that while full tours are unlikely, he may still take the stage for special events or intimate performances when he feels up to it.
*”I don’t think I’ll ever completely stop making music. It’s part of my soul. But I have to be realistic about what I can and can’t do,”* he said. *”I hope to still sing when I can, even if it’s just a song or two here and there.”*
The news of Diamond’s potential retirement has already sparked an outpouring of love and support from fans across the globe. Many took to social media to express their gratitude for the countless memories he’s provided over the years and to wish him well in his journey.
One fan tweeted, *”Neil Diamond’s music has been the soundtrack of my life. If he retires, he’s earned every bit of rest he needs. We love you, Neil!”* Another shared, *”Thank you for the music, Neil. You’ve given us so much. Rest, and take care of yourself. We’ll always be singing ‘Sweet Caroline.’”*
In response to the fan support, Diamond expressed his heartfelt appreciation, saying: *”I’ve got the best fans in the world. Their love and support have kept me going, and I’m so thankful for every one of them.”*
If Neil Diamond does indeed retire from performing, his legacy in the music world is already cemented. Over the course of his six-decade career, Diamond has sold more than 130 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. His catalog of hits includes iconic songs like *“Cracklin’ Rosie,”* *“Song Sung Blue,”* *“Love on the Rocks,”* and *“I Am… I Said,”* among many others.
Diamond was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, and in 2018, just months after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards.
Beyond his chart-topping success, Diamond’s music has transcended generations. His hit song *“Sweet Caroline”* has become an anthem at sporting events, weddings, and celebrations around the world, uniting people with its infectious sing-along chorus.
“To know that my music has touched so many people’s lives is the greatest gift I could ever ask for,”* Diamond said in the interview. “That’s what it’s always been about for me — connecting with people through music. I’ll carry that with me forever.”
As Diamond looks toward the future, he remains focused on his health and spending time with his family. He has expressed an interest in continuing to write and record music at his own pace and has hinted at possible collaborations with younger artists who have been inspired by his work.
“I’m not done with music just yet,”* he said with a smile. *”There are always more songs to write, more stories to tell. I’ll keep going for as long as I can.”*
Though the thought of Neil Diamond stepping away from the stage is bittersweet for his fans, there’s no doubt that his influence on music will endure for generations to come. Whether or not he performs again, his songs will continue to inspire, uplift, and bring people together — a legacy worthy of celebration.
Neil Diamond may be considering retirement, but his music will live on forever.
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