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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Diamond says he has Parkinson’s, retires from touring

Neil Diamond performs at the Clive Davis and The Recording Academy Pre-Grammy Gala on Feb. 11, 2017 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Diamond is retiring from touring after he says he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. (Chris Pizzello / Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Associated Press

NEW YORK – 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 is canceling 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 turns 77 on Wednesday and will get the lifetime achievement award at Sunday’s Grammy awards.