Neil Diamond’s best recognized songs, such as Sweet Caroline, are his hits. Despite touring and performing until his retirement in 2018, the celebrity also informed his fans that he had been diagnosed with a terrible and crippling illness.
During his 50th Year Anniversary World Tour, the singer startled his adoring audience by admitting that he had Parkinson’s disease. It is a degenerative nerve system disease that inhibits movement and has no recognized remedy as of yet. The star said that he was “doing pretty well” despite his diagnosis.
Despite looking to be in terrific condition, the singer said: “I’m feeling fantastic and I feel fairly thrilled about it. It certainly have its challenges. I’m getting better every day. I’m just doing my best while the music is playing.”
“I take my medication as prescribed. I work out at the gym. I’m in good physical condition. I’m in a nice mood. I want to keep working, but I’m not able to travel as often as I used to. My wife and friends, thankfully, are still at my side.”
The celebrity made a rare appearance on stage in Las Vegas at an honors ceremony.
The singer told Parade that he is always jotting down musical ideas, demonstrating that neither retirement nor illness has kept him from doing what he does best.
In fact, he believes the condition has improved his voice.
“In a strange way, I feel like I’m singing better than ever,” said the singer. “It’s most likely due to the fact that I’m not singing loudly and exhausting my voice while flying. As a result, it’s in fantastic condition, which shocked me.”
“I don’t cope with it,” he said of the disease’s emotional toll. “I suppose I am in some sort of denial. I’m in a wonderful mood. Since I was a teenager, I’ve been composing music. I don’t tighten up when I stand in front of a microphone. Then I let go and let it all hang out.”
“I didn’t expect to get this far. Even if it’s been a long time, I have to accept it. As a result, I will accept it.”
“I am conscious of my good fortune in coming here. I’m thinking of writing some new songs about it. I’m just happy to be here.”
According to The Mayo Clinic, because Parkinson’s is a degenerative condition, early signs may include little to no emotion on your face.
Although most symptoms go unrecognized, speech is usually slurred and walking can result in stiff arms.
Symptoms usually appear on one side of the body and remain there as the condition worsens.
