Celebrities
Neil Diamond talks living with Parkinson’s disease
Diamond opened up about accepting the disease and its effects on his life.
Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, but only recently began to accept the disease and its effects on his life.
In an interview with CBS Sunday morning, Diamond explained how he’s adjusted to performing and living his life since the diagnosis.
“I’m still doing it. And I don’t like it. Ok, so this is the hand that God’s given me, and I have to make the best of it, and so I am,” Diamond said.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
According to the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson’s disease is defined as “a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.”
Symptoms appear gradually, then worsen over time. Some may experience difficulties talking or walking.
Living in denial
In the first few years, Diamond was in denial and only began to accept his diagnosis a few weeks ago.
“I can’t really fight this thing, so I have to accept it, this Parkinson’s disease,” he said. “There’s no cure. There’s no getting away from it.
“You can’t just say, ‘OK, enough already. Let’s get back to life.’ It doesn’t work like that. But I’ve come to accept what limitations I have, and still have great days.”
As such, Diamond has recently found a new sense of peace.
“[A] calm has moved [into] the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet, as quiet as this recording studio,” he said. “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.”
What’s next for Diamond?
‘A Beautiful Noise’ is a new Broadway jukebox musical based on the life and music of Diamond, who had a hand in producing the show. He described the musical to be “like a dream come true.”
While Diamond was forced to retire from touring, he celebrated the fact that he can still sing and looks forward to his future work.
“I just have to take life as it comes to me, enjoy it, be thankful that I’ve had it, especially having the life that I’ve had,” he said.