Neil Diamond opens up about his Parkinson’s prognosis

Neil Diamond says it has been a course of accepting his 2018 Parkinson’s illness prognosis.

The “Candy Caroline” singer-songwriter, 82, mentioned his legendary profession and well being in a CBS Sunday Morning interview that may air this weekend. He admitted he was in denial the primary two years after studying he has the dysfunction of the central nervous system, which may trigger unintended or uncontrollable actions. The acceptance has solely simply began to come back.

“I am nonetheless doing it,” he mentioned of coming to phrases with the prognosis. “And I do not prefer it. However … that is me; that is what I’ve to just accept. And I am prepared to do it. And, OK, so that is the hand that God’s given me, and I’ve to make the perfect of it, and so I’m. I’m.”

Requested by Anthony Mason when the acceptance half began to come back about, Diamond mentioned it is “simply been in the previous couple of weeks.”

Since then, the long-lasting performer — a Songwriters Corridor of Fame and Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame inductee — mentioned, “A relaxed has moved in, and the hurricane of my life, and issues have gotten very quiet, as quiet as this recording studio. And, I prefer it. I discover that I like myself higher. I am simpler on individuals. I am simpler on myself. And the beat goes on, and it’ll go on lengthy after I am gone.”

Whereas Diamond introduced his speedy retirement following the Parkinson’s prognosis, he is made a number of appearances associated to the Broadway present about his life and music, A Lovely Noise. On opening evening in December, NYC theatergoers have been handled to a “Candy Caroline” singalong, which he led, at curtain name.

Requested the toughest a part of watching his life play out on the stage, he replied, “It was all fairly arduous. I used to be a bit embarrassed. I used to be flattered and I used to be scared.”

Of the worry, he defined, “Being came upon is the scariest factor you may hope, as a result of all of us have a facade. And the reality be identified to all of ’em. I am not some huge star. I am simply me.”

Diamond’s full interview will air Sunday at 9 a.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+.