Neil Diamond Retires, Telling World He Has Parkinson's Disease

BROOKLYN, NY – Neil Diamond says he has Parkinson's and is stepping away from life on the road. In a statement released Monday, the singer – currently on his 50th anniversary tour – said that he will continue writing and recording.

"It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring," he said in a statement. "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.

"I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come."

Parkinson's, a neurological disease with no cure, causes tremors and makes it difficult for people to maintain balance and walk. Muhammad Ali had Parkinson's.

Diamond, who turns 77-years-old on Wednesday, had been scheduled to start touring Australia and New Zealand in March. Those shows have been canceled.

It would have been the third leg of his anniversary tour. He started in the United States and then went to Europe, selling out shows all along the way.

"My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world," Diamond said. "You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement.

"This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you."

That last line is a reference to what was his biggest hit, "Sweet Caroline."

While many people associate the song with Caroline Kennedy, Diamond would later say the song was actually written about his wife at the time, Marcia, but he needed a name with three syllables.

The song also became an official song of The Boston Red Sox in 2002. They play the song every home in the middle of the eighth inning.

Diamond, who was born in Brooklyn, is also known for hits such as "I'm a Believer," "America," "Love on the Rocks," and "Red, Red, Wine."

He has sold more than 130 million albums during his career.

On Sunday, he will be honored at the Grammy Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

A Brooklyn compatriot of Diamond's, Barry Manilow, took to Twitter to wish him well.

"So, so sorry to hear about the great Neil Diamond’s illness," he wrote. "I’m rooting for you Neil!

"Fight on from another Brooklyn boy!"

Photo via Jim Dyson, stringer/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Europe.