Neil Diamond: Parkinson’s, Wife, Net Worth, and Biography (2025)
Neil Diamond announced his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2018, effectively ending his five-decade touring career. The revelation reshaped his public life, shifting his focus from stadiums to songwriting, while his marriage to Katie McNeil and estimated $200 million net worth continued to draw public curiosity.
Born: January 24, 1941 | Age (as of 2025): 84 | U.S. record sales: 56.5 million | Diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease | Current spouse: Katie McNeil | Number of children: 4
Diagnosis & Health
- Parkinson’s disease diagnosed in 2018 — Parkinson Association SWFL
- Retired from touring — TIME
- Still active in studio and charity — Stanford Parkinson’s Blog
Personal Life
- Married to Katie McNeil since 2012 — Hartford Healthcare
- Four children
- Age gap of 29 years
Career Highlights
- 56.5 million records sold in U.S.
- Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Iconic songs: ‘Sweet Caroline,’ ‘I’m a Believer’
Financial Standing
- Estimated net worth $200 million
- Continued royalties from catalog
- Wrote hit songs covered by multiple artists
| Field | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Neil Leslie Diamond | Hartford Healthcare |
| Date of birth | January 24, 1941 | Parkinson Association SWFL |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA | |
| Genres | Pop, rock, folk rock, soft rock | |
| Years active | 1962–present | |
| Record sales | More than 100 million worldwide | |
| Diagnosis | Parkinson’s disease (2018) | TIME |
| Spouse | Katie McNeil (m. 2012) | Hartford Healthcare |
| Children | 4 (Marvin, Jesse, Micah, Noah) | |
| Net worth | Approximately $200 million |
What is Neil Diamond diagnosed with?
Neil Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018. Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects nervous system function, as described by the Mayo Clinic. In people with Parkinson’s, nerve cells in the brain called neurons progressively malfunction or die off, preventing the brain from producing enough dopamine — a chemical that acts as a messenger for brain signals, per the Cleveland Clinic.
When was Neil Diamond diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
Diamond publicly announced his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in January 2018, when he was 76 years old, according to the Parkinson Association SWFL. He announced his retirement from concert touring on a Monday, two days before his 77th birthday (January 24), as reported by Hartford Healthcare. The diagnosis scuppered the Australian leg of his 50th anniversary tour, though he had already performed shows across the US and Europe before announcing his retirement from touring, per Parkinson’s NSW.
“I’ve been in denial for the first year or two. I just didn’t want to accept it.”
— Neil Diamond, Stanford Parkinson’s Blog
The catch: Diamond said in 2023 that he only recently accepted his diagnosis — specifically in the weeks leading up to his CBS Sunday Morning interview — pointing to the emotional difficulty of Parkinson’s management even years after the initial medical diagnosis.
Who was the love of Neil Diamond’s life?
Diamond has referred to his third wife, Katie McNeil, as “the love of my life.” The couple married in 2012.
Did Neil Diamond call someone the love of his life?
Yes, Diamond has publicly called Katie McNeil the love of his life. His marriage to McNeil came after two previous marriages: first to Jaye Posner (1963–1969), with whom he had two daughters, and then to Marcia Murphey (1969–1995), with whom he had two sons, according to Hartford Healthcare. The details of his departure from Murphey are not fully confirmed in public records.
Pattern: Diamond’s romantic life follows a trajectory of increasing stability — his third marriage has now outlasted his second, aligning with his shift from touring intensity to a quieter life in Los Angeles.
What is Neil Diamond’s current health situation?
Diamond manages his Parkinson’s symptoms while remaining active in music creation. He was 82 during his 2023 CBS Sunday Morning interview about his diagnosis, per the Stanford Parkinson’s Blog. Hand tremors are often the first sign that something is wrong with Parkinson’s disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hand tremors are most commonly seen in adults older than 50 and are more frequent in men than women.
Is Neil Diamond still making music?
Yes. After his diagnosis, Diamond stated he will continue to write and record for “a long time to come,” despite retiring from touring, as reported by TIME. He released the album ‘Classic Diamonds’ in 2020.
Does Neil Diamond still perform?
No. Diamond retired from live performances five years prior to his 2023 interview, effectively ending his touring career in early 2018, per the Stanford Parkinson’s Blog. He has not performed a full concert since, though he has made occasional one-off charity appearances.
What this means: While Diamond retains his creative drive, Parkinson’s has permanently altered his ability to tour. The gap between his studio activity and his concert retirement reveals how the disease has selectively affected his career — interfering with live performance stamina but not with songwriting.
What is the age difference between Neil Diamond and his current wife?
Neil Diamond was born on January 24, 1941. Katie McNeil was born in 1970. The age difference is 29 years. They married in 2012, when Diamond was 71 and McNeil was 42.
Bottom line: The 29-year age gap places Diamond and McNeil in a cross-generational marriage that began when Diamond was already in his 70s, a pattern that drew public interest but has proven durable through his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Is Neil Diamond a nice guy in real life?
Multiple collaborators and industry observers describe Diamond as humble, generous, and professional. There are no credible reports of him exhibiting difficult behavior on tours or in studio sessions.
What do people say about Neil Diamond’s personality?
Those who have worked with Diamond portray him as a consummate professional who treats colleagues with respect. The lack of public controversy or industry accusations over his 60-year career supports this reputation. His public persona — reflected in his music and interviews — aligns with the man his collaborators describe.
“He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever worked with. Completely professional, no ego.”
— Anonymous studio collaborator, cited in Parkinson’s NSW
Implication: Diamond’s reputation for decency is consistent across multiple sources and decades, suggesting it is not a curated image but a genuine character trait.
Career Timeline
- 1941: Born in Brooklyn, New York
- 1962: Signed first recording contract
- 1966: Wrote ‘I’m a Believer’ for The Monkees
- 1969: Released ‘Sweet Caroline’
- 2012: Married Katie McNeil — Hartford Healthcare
- 2018: Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; announces retirement from touring — TIME
- 2020: Released album ‘Classic Diamonds’
- 2023: Continued songwriting and charity appearances
For a comprehensive overview of his life and career, a full Neil Diamond biography offers further insight into his musical journey and lasting legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Neil Diamond have Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, Neil Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018. The announcement was made public in January of that year.
Is Neil Diamond still married?
Yes, Neil Diamond is married to Katie McNeil. They wed in 2012.
How old is Neil Diamond?
Neil Diamond was born on January 24, 1941. As of 2025, he is 84 years old.
What is Neil Diamond’s net worth?
Neil Diamond’s net worth is approximately $200 million, largely accumulated through record sales, touring, and songwriting royalties.
What are Neil Diamond’s most popular songs?
Diamond is best known for ‘Sweet Caroline,’ ‘I’m a Believer,’ ‘Cracklin’ Rosie,’ ‘Song Sung Blue,’ and ‘America.’
Does Neil Diamond have children?
Yes, Neil Diamond has four children: two daughters from his first marriage and two sons from his second marriage.
Did Neil Diamond retire from music?
Diamond retired from touring in 2018 but continues to write and record music.
What is Neil Diamond’s real name?
His full name is Neil Leslie Diamond.
For further reading, see also: Keith Richards: Net Worth, Sobriety, Health & Mick Jagger and Barry White: Weight, Cause of Death, Estate Battle.
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