Neil Diamond spoke candidly about his health during his interview with "CBS Sunday Morning," where he admitted that things have been going better for him these days.
"I think this has just been in the last few weeks," the 82-year-old singer shared. "I don't like it. But the ... this is me, this is what I have to accept. And I'm willing to do it. And, OK, so this is the hand that God's given me, and I have to make the best of it, and so I am. I am."
This comes a year after finally coming to terms with his Parkinson's Disease diagnosis; According to the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson's Disease is "a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements."
The NIH also noted that a person with Parkinson's Disease may experience shaking, stiffness, or even have a hard time with their balance and coordination.
The side effects of his disorder have caused Diamond to take a step back from making, recording, and releasing new music material.
"But somehow, a calm has moved in, and the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet, as quiet as this recording studio," he continued.
"And, I like it. I find that I like myself better. I'm easier on people. I'm easier on myself. And the beat goes on, and it will go on long after I'm gone."
'A Beautiful Noise'
Diamond is a singer-songwriter, whose career has spanned decades. He boasts 10 Billboard No. 1 hits, like "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," "Longfellow Serenade, "I've Been This Way Before," "If You Know What I Mean," and more.
So it's no surprise that there is a Broadway musical adaptation of his life called "A Beautiful Noise."
The musical stars Will Sweonson, playing a younger version of the singer; and during his interview, he was asked about his fears.
"Being found out is the scariest thing you can hope, because we all have a façade," he replied. "And the truth be known to all of 'em. I'm not some big star. I'm just me."
Accolade After Accolade
Despite being very humble about his career and achievements, Diamond is one of the most well-regarded artists in the industry.
Aside from his chart-topping songs, he was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame back in 1984, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
He was awarded several lifetime achievement awards as well. In 2000, he has given the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2018 he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
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