Diamond says he has Parkinson’s, retires from touring

0
1252
Neil Diamond is shown performing on NBC’s “Today” show in New York in this Oct. 20, 2014 file photo. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Neil Diamond is shown performing on NBC’s “Today” show in New York in this Oct. 20, 2014 file photo. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

New York (AP) — Neil Diamond is retiring from touring after he says he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Days shy of his 77th birthday, the rock legend canceled his tour dates in Australia and New Zealand for March.  He was on his 50th anniversary tour.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer offered his “sincerest apologies” to those who planned to go to his shows and says he plans to still write, record and work on other projects “for a long time to come.”

Diamond’s numerous hits include “Sweet Caroline,” ‘’America,” ‘’Love on the Rocks” and “Hello Again.”

Diamond turned 77 on January 24 and was due to receive a lifetime achievement award at last Sunday’s Grammy awards.