Neil Diamond Retires From Touring After Parkinson’s Diagnosis

“I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come.”
Neil Diamond performs
Neil Diamond photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage

Neil Diamond has announced his retirement from touring following his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, Variety reports. Although he was scheduled to perform in Australia and New Zealand in March, he has canceled those dates based on his doctor’s advice. Diamond apologized for not being able to perform. “I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come,” he said in a statement. “My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”

Diamond will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Grammys. He rang in the New Year by leading a massive sing-along of his hit “Sweet Caroline” in New York’s Times Square. His last studio album was 2016’s Acoustic Christmas. “Sweet Caroline” was one of Pitchfork’s “200 Best Songs of the 1960s.”