Neil Diamond might be the "Solitary Man" on stage, but his actual life has been anything but lonely. Honestly, for a guy who spent decades crooning about heartbreak and "Sweet Caroline," he’s had a pretty busy personal life. If you’re wondering how many times has neil diamond been married, the short answer is three. But the long answer? Well, that involves high school sweethearts, one of the most expensive divorces in Hollywood history, and a late-in-life romance with his manager that seems to have finally stuck.
It’s easy to think of rock stars as these untouchable figures who just cycle through relationships like they're changing guitar strings. Neil is different. He’s often spoken about his "high-maintenance" personality and his genuine need for companionship. He doesn’t want to be alone. He’s said as much in interviews—basically, he likes being married.
The First Chapter: Jayne "Jaye" Posner
Neil’s first marriage was the classic "before they were famous" story. Back in Brooklyn, long before he was selling out arenas, he fell for Jayne Posner. She was his high school sweetheart. They tied the knot in 1963. At the time, Neil wasn't a legend; he was a struggling songwriter skipping classes at NYU to pitch songs on Tin Pan Alley.
They had two daughters together, Marjorie and Elyn. But as Neil’s career started to explode in the mid-60s with hits like "Cherry, Cherry," the pressure of fame began to eat away at the foundation. They separated in 1967 and officially called it quits in 1969. Looking back, it’s that classic story of a guy becoming a superstar while his personal life is still stuck in the "normal" world. It rarely ends well.
The Marathon Marriage: Marcia Murphey
Almost immediately after his first divorce was finalized in 1969, Neil jumped back into the deep end. He married Marcia Murphey, a production assistant. This wasn't some flash-in-the-pan celebrity fling. They were together for 25 years. They had two sons, Jesse and Micah. For most of the '70s and '80s—the peak of Diamond-mania—Marcia was the one by his side.
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But then came 1994. Marcia filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. And this is where it gets crazy.
The $150 Million Rumor
For years, the tabloids screamed that Neil paid Marcia a $150 million settlement. People called it the most expensive divorce ever at the time. You've probably heard that number before. Interestingly, Neil didn't really fight the rumor for a long time. In a later interview with The Telegraph, he admitted the number was basically made up by the press, but he didn't bother to correct it because he felt guilty. He felt he hadn't been there for his kids or his wife because he was always on the road.
He famously said she was "worth every penny," which is a pretty class-act way to handle a massive financial hit. Whether it was actually $150 million or something smaller (but still huge), the point was the same: Neil wanted her taken care of for life.
Finding Love Again: Katie McNeil
After the divorce from Marcia, Neil spent quite a while as a bachelor. He had a long-term relationship with an Australian woman named Rae Farley, but they never married. It seemed like maybe the "Solitary Man" era had finally arrived for real.
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Then came Katie McNeil.
Katie was his manager. She’s about 30 years younger than him, which definitely raised some eyebrows at first. They met while she was producing a documentary about him in 2009. Neil wasn't looking for a wife, and Katie definitely wasn't looking to date a client. But chemistry is a weird thing. You can't really ignore it when it hits.
They got married in April 2012 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Neil was 71; Katie was 42. Since then, she’s been his rock, especially as he’s navigated his Parkinson’s diagnosis and his retirement from touring. He even wrote an entire album, Melody Road, inspired by his love for her.
The Current Tally and Legacy
So, to recap the answer to how many times has neil diamond been married:
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- Jayne Posner (1963–1969)
- Marcia Murphey (1969–1995)
- Katie McNeil (2012–Present)
He’s got four kids who are all grown up now, and by all accounts, he’s stayed close with them despite the "guilt" he felt during his touring years.
What’s interesting about Neil is that he doesn't hide behind a PR machine when it comes to his failures. He’s admitted he’s difficult to live with. He’s admitted he’s "high maintenance" and needs constant attention and support. Most celebrities try to act like they're perfect partners, but Neil is sort of refreshingly honest about why his marriages were tough.
If you’re a fan looking to connect more with his journey, the best thing to do is listen to the lyrics. Songs like "Love on the Rocks" or "Solitary Man" hit a lot harder when you realize the man singing them was actually living through those highs and lows.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Melody Road: If you want to hear what Neil sounds like when he’s truly happy in love, that 2014 album is the blueprint.
- Watch the Song Sung Blue biopic: It gives a great look into the culture surrounding his music and the impact his personal life had on his songwriting.
- Look into his Parkinson's advocacy: Since retiring from touring, Neil and Katie have been very active in raising awareness, showing a different side of their partnership.
He might have been through three marriages, but it seems Neil Diamond finally found the harmony he was looking for.