Beloved singer and songwriter Neil Diamond has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He’s currently on his 50th-Anniversary tour, but announced yesterday that he has canceled the rest of his upcoming shows and will retire from touring based on doctor’s recommendation. He plans to continue writing and recording.
For Boston fans, Diamond’s diagnosis is especially painful. He’s the man behind Red Sox anthem “Sweet Caroline,” which has played every 8th inning at Fenway for almost two decades, whether you like it or not. The week after the Marathon Bombing in 2013, Diamond announced that he would donate song royalties to the One Fund Boston to aid those affected by the bombing. The song had been downloaded over 19,000 times in less than a week, after Diamond himself sang it at Fenway on April 20, 2013.
I was such a big Red Sox fan that my friends got together and sang “Sweet Caroline” to me at my Bat Mitzvah.
And of course, it’s part of the epic and heartwarming Fever Pitch. It’s the song I listen to whenever I’m feeling frustrated with my team and need to remember why I love them so much. Even hearing the opening notes warms my heart and makes me smile.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Diamond. You were strong for us; now it’s our turn to ‘B Strong’ for you.
