Neil Diamond, the legendary American singer-songwriter, announced in January 2018 that he was retiring from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The news came as a shock to many of his fans, but Diamond has since spoken candidly about how he’s come to terms with the diagnosis and how he’s continuing to find joy and purpose in his life. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination and balance. It’s a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms typically worsen over time. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms. In an interview with AARP The Magazine in November 2018, Diamond opened up about his experience with Parkinson’s and how he’s adapting to life with the disease. He said that he first noticed something was wrong when he had difficulty with his handwriting and noticed a tremor in his hand. He initially thought it was just a side effect of playing guitar for so many years, but after seeing a neurologist, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Diamond said that the diagnosis was “a pretty dark moment” for him, but that he’s learned to focus on the positive and not let the disease define him. He said that he’s fortunate to have a strong support system of family and friends, and that he’s been able to find ways to continue doing the things he loves. One of the ways Diamond is coping with Parkinson’s is through his music. He said that he’s still writing songs and that he’s found that singing and performing helps him to feel better. He’s also been working on a new album, which he described as “a labor of love.” Diamond has also been working to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and to support research into the disease. In 2018, he donated $1 million to the Parkinson’s Foundation to help fund research and education programs. Despite the challenges he’s facing, Diamond said that he’s grateful for the life he’s had and for the support he’s received from his fans. He said that he’s focusing on living in the present and not worrying too much about the future. “I feel good about making the right decision in terms of retiring from the road,” he said. “I don’t know how many years I’ve got left, so every day is a gift. It’s not about how long you live, it’s about what you do with the time you have.” Diamond’s positive attitude and determination to continue living life on his own terms have been an inspiration to many. He’s shown that it’s possible to find joy and purpose even in the face of adversity, and that with the right mindset and support, it’s possible to live a fulfilling life with Parkinson’s disease.