Music legend Neil Diamond has quit touring for good after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The US entertainer, who will be 77 on Wednesday, was in the middle of his 50th Anniversary world tour and was set to play Australia and New Zealand in the coming months.
However, Diamond – whose hits include Sweet Caroline and Forever In Blue Jeans – has cancelled all remaining dates following advice from his doctor.
Following his diagnosis yesterday, Diamond issued an emotional statement to his loyal fans.
He said: “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring.
“I have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years. My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.
“I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come.
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“My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement.”
Quoting his most famous hit Sweet Caroline, he concluded: “This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”
Among those to pay tribute to the star were a couple of other legendary music artists.
Barry Manilow took to Twitter to say: “So, so sorry to hear about the great Neil Diamond’s illness. I’m rooting for you Neil! Fight on, from another Brooklyn boy!”
And quoting the song Holly Holy, which Diamond wrote and she recorded, Nancy Sinatra tweeted: “Keep fighting, old buddy. You’ve got a long way to go yet. Call the sun in the dead of the night and the sun’s gonna rise in the sky.”
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Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain condition that can lead to slow speech, memory problems and tremors.
An estimated seven to ten million people are living with the illness worldwide.
Diamond has been married to his third wife Katie McNeil – who’s also his manager – since 2012. He has four children from his two previous marriages.