Neil Diamond Turns 82 — He Works Out, Takes His 'Meds' & Is Supported by Younger Wife & 8 Grandkids

Iconic singer Neil Diamond turns 82 today! The star has a big family with his younger wife, who's "up to the task of being" his spouse. The singer opened up about his life and plans for the future.

On January 24, 2023, Neil Diamond celebrated his 82nd birthday! The star might be closer to 90, but he was still partially active in the music industry sharing his gift with his old and new fans.

On December 7, 2022, Neil's Instagram account shared a clip of him taking to the stage in a surprise appearance during the "Beautiful Noise's" opening night. The singer appeared healthy and robust as he charmed the crowd with his tunes.

He sang a rendition of "Sweet Caroline" alongside the show's cast. However, in January 2018, the star canceled the third leg of his 50th-anniversary tour and revealed he was retiring because of his Parkinson's disease diagnosis.

A few months later, in August, Neil confessed that he wished to be able to perform live again. Since retiring, the singer has been living a much quieter life but has kept busy exercising and staying well.

How Does Neil Live Now?

Neil said he was staying active and doing well. He revealed, "Well, I'm doing pretty well. I'm active. I take my meds. I do my workouts. I'm in pretty good shape. I'm feeling good," adding:

“I want to stay productive. I still have my boys. I just can’t do the traveling that I once did, but I have my wife there supporting me (and) friends.”

The singer admitted to having challenges because of his diagnosis but said he was optimistic about it. He revealed how he felt better each day, dealt with his diagnosis as best as he could, and would keep the music coming.

On March 9, 2020, Neil was at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena, where he was honored at the 24th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala benefit. He treated attendees by performing songs like "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Hello Again."

The star also belted out "Love on Rocks," "September Morn," "I Am…I Said," and "Forever in Blue Jeans." Neil once confessed to loving the chemistry he shared with the audience and described it as part of "the thrill."

He noted a "little magic" involved and promised to keep going. What he loved most about performing was that it happened at the moment, and he said he couldn't describe it as one had to be there when it occurred.

The legendary star said he had to allow himself to connect with his audience. He would allow his relationship with the audience to "express itself" as a "powerful tool," but besides being positive in his outlook, Neil was lucky to have a supportive family, including his eight grandchildren.

In 2022, the star's grandchildren's ages ranged from five to 22. The musician was also determined to perform live one day again, but he knew that might never happen, despite his love for performing.

The singer said he'd hoped to do more shows but acknowledged that he'd gone far over the years and had to accept his fate. He knew it was by luck that he'd reached this level and hoped to write some new songs about it, but he was mainly happy to be around still.

Neil said he remained emotionally "in denial" about his diagnosis because he mostly felt "fine." He revealed that he wasn't dealing with it and didn't think he was in denial.

The star had been making music since his teenagehood and didn't become tense when he was on the microphone. Instead, he loosened up and felt free but confessed that it did come with its challenges.

However, he felt positive and good about it and felt better daily. One of the people who were there to help him through the difficult times was his long-term and loving wife.

Who Is Neil's Supportive Wife?

Neil's third wife, Katie McNeil Diamond, was much younger than him and was born in 1970. She worked as a producer, and some of the still she's worked on include 2003's "Heart: Alive in Seattle," 2004's "Underneath Acoustic Live," and 2006's "Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj."

Katie and her famous husband were married on April 21, 2012. A month after the couple's marriage, the star revealed that he was a demanding husband, confessing:

"I want someone by my side who I love and who loves me. I've finally found somebody who’s up to the task of being my wife because I’m very … high maintenance."

Neil said being high maintenance was him needing a wife, companion, or someone he could talk to immediately. His manager wife had to stop whatever she was doing at that moment to accommodate his needs.

The iconic musician [Neil Diamond] didn't want to take the life journey alone.

However, the musician returned the favor by tending to Katie's needs. After his first two marriages concluded, he had given up on tying the knot but was happy to have given love another chance.

He described his ex-wives as "spectacular women" and said he'd had a chance to do right by them. However, their relationship didn't work because he felt he couldn't create something lifelong and wonderful with them.

Neil mulled the possibility of not having been capable of that back then. The star said he was throwing himself back in because he liked being in a union with someone, admitting:

“Part of me said, 'Don’t get involved; he's a client.' There are a lot of complications for a lot of reasons. But our chemistry grew into something that couldn't be denied."

The iconic musician didn't want to take the life journey alone. Katie confessed that she was hesitant to start a romantic relationship with Neil, but she eventually couldn't resist him!

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