Entertainer Neil Diamond has decided to hang up the microphone after 50 years of making music.
The award winning music icon made the announcement January 22 after revealing that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Diamond was in the middle of a tour celebrating 50 years of music at the time of his announcement and has since cancelled the remainder of the tour…at his doctor’s request.
Diamond released a statement on his website saying, “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. My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.” He added, “I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come.”
The 77 year old Diamond will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Recording Academy at the 59th annual Grammy Award ceremonies on January 28.