Neil Diamond’s Ex-Wife Finally Speaks: “I Slept Beside a Stranger for 25 Years”
Marcia Murphey, Neil Diamond’s second wife and one of the quietest figures in his public life, has finally spoken out.
In a rare interview with Vanity Fair, Marcia revealed the real reason behind their 1995 divorce – a split that made headlines for its record-breaking $150 million settlement.
Not Infidelity – But Emptiness
“People assumed I left Neil because he was unfaithful,” Marcia said. “But the truth is, I felt profoundly alone in the marriage. I lived beside a man adored by millions – but I couldn’t truly reach him.”
She described Neil as being consumed by music and fame, leaving little room for emotional connection.
“We’d be in the same room, yet oceans apart.”
The Early Years – Full of Promise
Marcia met Neil while working in television in Los Angeles. They married in 1969 and she stood by him as he rose to superstardom.
“I was proud of him. But I slowly faded into the background while he stood in the spotlight,” she said.
Was It Love or Just the Idea of Love?
One of the interview’s most quoted lines:
“I think he loved having a wife more than he loved me.”
Still, Marcia said she holds no bitterness. “Life with a star comes at a price. I just wish I had stepped away sooner – for both our sakes.”
Neil Diamond Responds Gracefully
When asked to respond, Neil said via his representative that he is “grateful for the time they had together” and “wishes her nothing but peace.”
In past interviews, Neil once called Marcia “a woman who deserved everything I could give her.”
Fans React
The interview sparked mixed emotions. Some expressed sadness that such a long marriage ended quietly, others saw themselves in Marcia’s words.
One reader commented:
“Not all breakups are about cheating. Sometimes, it’s about fading connection.”