Neil Diamond has stored a low-profile since asserting his Parkinson’s Illness prognosis in 2018. However in an upcoming interview with CBS Sunday Morning the 82-year-old singer talks about being in denial for the primary yr after his prognosis.
“I’m nonetheless doing it. And I don’t prefer it,” Diamond stated about his preliminary refusal to just accept that he has the incurable, progressive neurodegenerative dysfunction that impacts the mind and bodily motion. “However … that is me; that is what I’ve to just accept. And I’m prepared to do it. And, okay, so that is the hand that God’s given me, and I’ve to make the very best of it, and so I’m. I’m.”
Even after a number of years, Diamond stated it’s actually simply within the “previous couple of weeks” that he’s lastly come to phrases along with his prognosis, which has introduced some tranquility. “One way or the other, a relaxed has moved [into] the hurricane of my life, and issues have gotten very quiet, as quiet as this recording studio,” he informed interviewer Anthony Mason. “And I prefer it. I discover that I like myself higher. I’m simpler on folks. I’m simpler on myself. And the beat goes on, and it’ll go on lengthy after I’m gone.”
Diamond — who retired from touring after his prognosis — additionally discusses what it looks like to observe his life’s story play out on Broadway within the A Stunning Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. He tells Mason that it was, “all fairly exhausting. I used to be slightly embarrassed. I used to be flattered, and I used to be scared… Being came upon is the scariest factor you may hope, as a result of all of us have a façade. And the reality be identified to all of ’em. I’m not some massive star. I’m simply me.”
Although he has principally stayed out of the general public eye because the prognosis, Diamond made a uncommon look on Dec. 4 when he stunned the viewers on opening night time of the musical when he popped up unexpectedly within the balcony throughout curtain name to assist lead the group in a singalong of his beloved 1969 hit “Candy Caroline.”
Diamond’s Sunday Morning interview is slated to air on Sunday (April 2) at 9 a.m. ET on CBS after which stream on Paramount+; watch a preview of the chat right here.
