One of America’s most creative songwriter best known for popular “Sweet Caroline” and “Crackling Rosie,” shared the devastating news via his website about his Parkinson’s disease. He wrote; “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years.” he went further to apologize to his dearest fans and supporters who have supported him all these years, especially those who already bought his concert tickets.

He also added that though he is retiring from singing, he will still keep writing songs, recording, and taking other projects for a long time to come.

What does Parkinson’s disease even mean?

According to Medicine Net, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system that mainly affects the motor system due to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Although the cause of this disease still remains unknown, researchers before that genetic and environmental factors may be the cause.

At the early stage of the disease, the patient may experience tremor, stiffness, slowness, impaired balance while at the latter stage of the disease the patient may experience anxiety, depression, dementia.

Most of the people who suffer from this disease are usually diagnosed at 60 years or above. With effective medication, the patient can lead a long and very productive life for many years to come.

A look at the Neil Diamond achievements

Neil Leslie Diamond was born on January 24, 1941, to Rose and Akeeba ‘Kieve’ Diamond, a Jewish couple, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School, where he received his high school diploma. During his school years that he was a part of the fencing team. He was later offered a fencing scholarship to New York University, where he specialized in saber.

Diamond has sold more than 130 million albums worldwide, and 38 of his singles have made it to the Top 40, according to the academy.

Diamond is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall Of Fame and a recipient of the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, a high honor bestowed upon songwriters.

Diamond recently appeared on New Year’s Eve in New York’s Times Square to lead the packed crowd in a sing-along of Sweet Caroline.

Neil Diamond’s most recent album was released in 2016 Melody Road, around Christmas that year.