At the New York City premiere of Song Sung Blue, Neil Diamond’s wife, Katie Diamond, shared insights into their nearly 14-year marriage, which they will celebrate in April. The couple exchanged vows at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles in 2012.
Katie, 55, emphasized the foundation of their relationship, stating, “We’re best friends, and we really support each other. We lift each other up, and through thick and thin, through sickness and health, we really live it. And I think that that’s the secret.” She revealed that they try to make each day special, celebrating their bond continuously rather than waiting for one specific day to commemorate their love.
Their unique connection is rooted in music, specifically in Katie’s admiration for Neil’s classic hits like “Sweet Caroline” and “Holy Holy.” Their romance began in 2007 when Katie was working alongside Neil’s previous manager, Irving Azoff, and took the initiative to manage Neil’s account. Initially hesitant about pursuing a relationship with a client, Katie recounted, “Part of me said, ‘Don’t get involved; he’s a client.’ But our chemistry grew into something that couldn’t be denied.”
Neil, 84, shared that he hadn’t initially viewed Katie romantically as he was focused on his music. But as they collaborated, his feelings shifted. He expressed, “We kind of fell in love, slowly… She wove her way into my heart.”
Their engagement was announced in September 2011 through a tweet from Neil, who excitedly shared the news, saying, “Katie & I just got engaged, and I hope you wish us well.” They married on April 21, 2012, and Katie embraced her role as a stepmother to Neil’s four children from his previous marriages.
Reflecting on their relationship, Neil once remarked that he felt like the “luckiest man on earth” to be with Katie, describing her as someone who could meet the demands of his high-maintenance personality. He revealed that he didn’t want to “end this whole fabulous journey alone.”
Throughout their years together, Katie has remained a crucial source of inspiration for Neil’s music. The couple collaborated on his successful 2014 album, Melody Road, with Katie notably influencing the song “Art of Love.” Neil acknowledged that “having her around me inspired me to stay with it.”
Katie remains deeply touched by Neil’s music, recalling a poignant moment during the premiere of Song Sung Blue, which focuses on a real-life couple who started a Neil Diamond tribute band. She became emotional watching actress Kate Hudson perform one of Neil’s beloved songs, “I’ve Been This Way Before,” saying, “When she sang it, I was sobbing. It is such a beautiful song.”
Song Sung Blue is set to hit theaters on December 25.
