Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond, one of the world’s best-selling artist of all time is currently in the middle of his 50th anniversary tour.
The 76-year-old singer-songwriter and actor has had nearly 40 songs in the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in the 80’s; however it seems it might be time to take a definite break.
According to reports, the legendary and beloved crooner has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and as a result he announced his retirement from touring. Luckily for Diamond, he can count on wife, Katie McNeil to be by his side.
Neil has been married three times in his lifetime and is the proud father of four children, meet them below.
Wives
#1 Jayne Posner
Jayne Posner and Neil were highs school sweethearts, the two were married in 1963. Jaye who became a school teacher welcomed two daughters with Diamond. The couple separated in 1967 and were divorced two years later.
Jayne served as his inspiration for his first love song – Hear Them Bells, which goes: “My darling, I need you more each day/ I’d be contented dear, if only you’d say/ I’ll be yours forever, sweetheart” The two were in their early 20’s at the time of their marriage.
#2 Marcia Murphey
Diamond and Marcia Murphey tied the knot in December 1969, the same year he divorced Posner.
At the time Marcia worked as a production assistant. The marriage was showered by show business standards thanks to Neil’s success. However, due to his career’s demands, he spent much of their marriage far from home.
They divorced in 1995 after 26 years of marriage –during which time they became parents to two sons. Marcia allegedly received 150 million, one of the most expensive settlements in legal history.
#3 Katie McNeil
McNeil and Diamond were married in 2012. She is a 47-year-old video producer from California. The two met around 2009 while making a concert documentary.
The couple worked together on the documentary Hot August Night/NYC. Since then she appears to have assumed the managerial duties for her husband.
In later years, Diamond admitted his relationships have suffered because his ‘wives grew tired of playing second fiddle to my work.’ Adding “I need to be with a woman who understands my work ethic and is secure enough not to be threatened by it.”
Katie McNeil who was hesitant of their relationship, told media
“Part of me said, ‘Don’t get involved; he’s a client.’ There are a lot of complications for a lot of reasons. But our chemistry grew into something that couldn’t be denied.”
Children
Marjorie and Elyn Diamond
51-year-old Marjorie and 49-year-old Elyn are the daughters born to Neil’s first wife, Jayne Posner. The two lived with their mother who re-married in New Jersey and visited Neil during the holidays.
Jesse and Micah Diamond
Jesse and Micah are the sons born during Neil’s second marriage to, Marcia Murphey. Jesse Diamond was born in 1970 while his brother Micah Diamond was born February 14, 1978.
Jesse Diamond is a photographer and the father of one son, Elijah.
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