Source: http://people.com/music/neil-diamond-thanks-fans-donating-ticket-refunds-parkinsons/
January 23, 2018
After announcing his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Neil Diamond and his wife Katie are overwhelmed by the fan support.
The music legend, responsible for hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “America” and “Cracklin’ Rosie,” shared a statement on his website Monday evening revealing that he canceled concert dates in Australia and New Zealand based on doctor’s advice.
“Wow, I’ve received a bunch of messages from people in Aus & NZ who are donating their ticket refunds to good causes: Parkinson’s research, animal rescue groups, fire victim funds, etc,” Katie, 46, tweeted on Tuesday.
“My heart is so full of joy to see this silver lining. Faith in humanity = restored. Thank you!” she added.
Neil Diamond and wife Katie in November 2016 Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Neil also shared his gratitude and appreciation to his fan base with a tweet of his own.
“This makes me smile. Thank you. Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support. It makes a difference,” he tweeted, responding to his wife’s message.
Wow, I’ve received a bunch of messages from people in Aus & NZ who are donating their ticket refunds to good causes: Parkinson’s research, animal rescue groups, fire victim funds, etc. My heart is so full of joy to see this silver lining. Faith in humanity = restored. Thank you!
— Katie Diamond (@KatieMcDiamond) January 23, 2018
Due to the onset of the Parkinson’s disease, it has become “difficult to travel and perform on a large scale basis” but has yet to affect “his writing, recording and development of new projects,” according to the statement.
“I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come. My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world,” Diamond said. “You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”
Neil Diamond in October 2014 Monica Schipper/Getty
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Fans from around the world, including his celebrity friends, shared their well wishes. Micky Dolenz of the Monkees and songwriting icon Neil Sedaka paid tribute to Diamond in statements to PEOPLE.
“Needless to say, I am dismayed at the news that one of the greatest songwriter/performers of my generation is having to curtail his activities due to illness,” Dolenz told PEOPLE in a statement. “Through his music, Neil brought untold joy to countless fans and to the world in general. I wish you all the best, Neil, and a remain a ‘Believer’ in everything you do.”
Meanwhile, Sedaka shared a memory from their childhood growing up together.
“Along with everyone else, I was shocked to hear this news,” he said to PEOPLE. “We lived across the street from each other in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. He is the most talented of the singer/songwriters/performers that I watched hone their craft at the Brill Building. His recordings and his writings are just superb. He’s an all-around great guy. For all the joy he has brought to the world, I know it will come back to him tenfold. Sending all my love to him and his family.”
Fellow singer Barry Manilow immediately tweeted follow Diamond’s announcement: “#Neil Diamond So,so sorry to hear about the great Neil Diamond’s illness. I’m rooting for you Neil! Fight on from another Brooklyn boy!:
Reba McEntire, Josh Groban, Nancy Sinatra, Brian Wilson, and many others also expressed their admiration for the music titan.
The Recording Academy will honor Diamond with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award during the Grammy Awards on Jan. 28, airing on CBS at 7:30 p.m. EST.
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