At age 84, most would imagine Neil Diamond in peaceful retirement — perhaps listening to old records or watching sunsets. But the legendary voice behind “Sweet Caroline” and “I Am… I Said” is not resting. He is evolving.
In a candid and deeply introspective interview with The Guardian, Diamond revealed that he now spends hours each week immersed in meditation, brain science, and psychology — not just for peace of mind, but as a way to deepen his connection with music and meaning.
“I’ve sung my truth all my life,” he said.
“Now I’m trying to understand where that truth comes from.”
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, Neil stepped away from touring — but not from living. Rather than let his illness define him, he turned inward. Meditation became a daily practice. Psychology became a fascination. The brain, he says, is “the most mysterious instrument of all.”
For the past few years, he’s been studying neuroscience literature, watching lectures, and working with therapists and researchers to better understand how emotion is stored, how memory triggers melody, and why music makes people cry, heal, or remember.
Diamond admits this journey is not about releasing another album — it’s about transforming his understanding of the human soul.
“Music was my therapy. Now I want to know why.”
Those close to him say he is more grounded, more present, and somehow more youthful than ever — not physically, but emotionally. He journals daily, practices mindfulness, and recently participated in guided group meditations focused on memory and grief.
This chapter of Neil Diamond’s life feels less like a “final act” and more like a spiritual awakening — one fueled not by applause, but by questions.
“I’m still singing,” he smiled at the end of the interview.
“Just quieter now. And maybe, deeper.”