Last December, the crowd at the opening night of Broadway’s A Beautiful Noise—the musical celebrating Neil Diamond’s life and music—was in for a once-in-a-lifetime surprise. The legendary singer-songwriter himself made an appearance, stepping into the theater to lead the cast and audience in singing a verse of his iconic hit, “Sweet Caroline.” The energy in the room was electric, with thunderous applause that lasted for minutes. “I felt it,” Neil later said, referring to the overwhelming love and connection in the building.

A Legendary Career, a New Chapter

Neil Diamond, now 82, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, with 10 No. 1 singles under his belt, including timeless classics like “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” and “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.” His music has resonated with fans across generations, selling over 130 million albums worldwide. However, in 2018, Neil revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition. This news meant the end of his touring days, as the unpredictable nature of the illness made it impossible for him to commit to long stretches on the road. But Neil, ever the optimist, embraced the challenge. “This is the hand God has dealt me, and I’m going to make the best of it,” he shared. “I’ve learned to accept my limitations, but I still have plenty of great days ahead.”

The Emotional Toll of Retirement

For someone who thrived in the spotlight, retiring from touring was no easy feat. Performing live was the pinnacle of Neil’s career, where he connected with fans who had supported him for decades. “There’s nothing like stepping onto that stage and facing an audience that loves you,” Neil said back in 2018. Yet, the realities of Parkinson’s made it impossible to continue. Tom Hensley, Neil’s longtime keyboardist and pianist since 1975, explained to Closer: “Traveling is tough. Performing is tough because you never know how your body will respond. And canceling shows? That’s just too expensive.”

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Life at Home with Katie

Today, Neil prefers to stay close to home, sharing his life with Katie McNeil Diamond, his wife since 2012. Their relationship began in 2007 when Katie worked for the management company Neil was collaborating with. Despite a 29-year age gap, their bond has proven to be the most fulfilling partnership of Neil’s life. “Our chemistry grew into something undeniable,” Katie recalls, though she initially hesitated to date her boss. Neil credits Katie with bringing balance to his high-maintenance personality. “I need my wife, companionship, someone to talk to—right now. That’s not easy to find,” he admitted during their engagement in 2012.

A Complicated Past

Neil’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. He’s been married three times, with his first two marriages ending due to his demanding career. His first wife, Jayne Posner, was his high school sweetheart and mother to daughters Marjorie and Elyn. Later, he married Marcia Murphey, with whom he had sons Jesse and Micah. Both relationships suffered from Neil’s frequent absences and relentless drive for success. Reflecting on those years, Neil acknowledges the pain caused by his choices. “They were amazing women. If I couldn’t build lasting relationships with them, maybe it said something about me,” he reflects.

Creativity Endures

Even with Parkinson’s, Neil’s creative spirit remains vibrant. He keeps a notepad handy to jot down ideas as they come to him, developing them later when he has more time. “It’s just part of who I am,” he explains. After all, this is the man who scored his first major hit as a songwriter in 1966 with “I’m a Believer,” famously recorded by the Monkees. What’s remarkable is that Parkinson’s hasn’t affected his singing voice. In fact, Neil believes his voice might be better than ever. “It’s strange, but I think I’m singing better now,” he says. “Maybe it’s because I’m not touring and straining my voice. It’s in great shape, and that’s something I didn’t expect.”

Embracing Vulnerability Through Art

Neil is deeply proud of A Beautiful Noise, the Broadway musical inspired by his life. The creators worked closely with him to ensure authenticity, capturing both the highs and lows of his journey. The show delves into his lonely childhood in Brooklyn, his insecurities, and the guilt he carried over his failed marriages. “It wasn’t always easy to watch. Some scenes were hard to face,” Neil admits. “But this show was therapy for me. It forced me to confront parts of myself I’d rather avoid.”

Participating in the musical also helped Neil develop a deeper sense of self-acceptance. He began therapy in 1971, seeking to understand the doubts and dissatisfaction that plagued him throughout his career. Even amid immense success, Neil struggled to feel truly worthy. “I’ve lived an incredible life, no doubt about it,” he says. “But I wasn’t always comfortable looking back on it. Now, I’m starting to embrace it, to feel like I deserve the happiness I’ve earned.”

Finding Peace Amid Challenges

While Parkinson’s is far from a blessing, it has compelled Neil to slow down and appreciate life in a new way. Over the past five years, he’s cultivated empathy and compassion for himself and others. “A calm has settled into the chaos of my life,” he reflects. “Things have gotten quieter, and I like it. I like myself more. I’m kinder to people, kinder to myself. The rhythm of life continues, and it will long after I’m gone.”