Neil Diamond, an iconic figure in American music known for his timeless hits such as “Sweet Caroline,” “I’m a Believer,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie,” married Jayne Posner in 1963, during the early years of his burgeoning career. However, their marriage, which lasted from 1963 to 1969, ended in divorce after just six years. This raised questions about the nature of their relationship and what caused it to fall apart.
This article looks at Jayne Posner’s background, the timeline of their marriage, how Neil’s rising fame affected them, and the reasons for their eventual separation.
Who is Jayne Posner?
Jayne Posner, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, met Neil Diamond while they were both attending high school. Their romance blossomed during these formative years, with Jayne providing unwavering support as Neil pursued his passion for music. Initially a schoolteacher, she played a crucial role in Neil’s early life and career, helping him navigate the challenges of breaking into the competitive music industry.
| Quick Facts about Jayne Posner | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jayne Posner |
| Gender | Female |
| Year of Birth | 1940 |
| Age | 84 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | Neil Diamond |
| Children | Two daughters: Marjorie and Elyn |
| Profession | Former teacher (allegedly) |
| Famous For | Being Neil Diamond’s first wife |
The Marriage of Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond
Jayne and Neil married in 1963, a time when his career was still on the rise. The couple faced numerous challenges during their union, including financial instability and the pressures of Neil’s burgeoning fame. They welcomed two daughters, Marjorie and Elyn, into their family, further complicating the dynamics of their relationship as Neil’s career demands increased.
Despite their initial bond and shared dreams, significant strains began to emerge as Neil’s success escalated. The couple experienced lengthy separations due to Neil’s touring schedule and recording commitments, which took a toll on their marriage.
Neil Diamond’s Rise to Fame
As Neil Diamond’s career took off with hits like “I’m a Believer” and “Cherry Cherry,” the demands of fame began to overshadow his personal life. The pressures of constant touring and recording left little room for family time. Jayne found it increasingly difficult to cope with being married to a rising star; she often felt isolated while managing household responsibilities and caring for their children alone. Neil himself acknowledged that being away from his family was painful. He later reflected on how the emotional toll of his career affected his relationships at home.
Reasons for Their Divorce
Several factors contributed to the divorce between Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond:
Career Pressures: The escalating demands of Neil’s music career created significant strain on their relationship. His touring schedule often kept him away from home for extended periods.
Differences in Lifestyle: As Neil became more famous, the couple’s lifestyles diverged significantly. Jayne struggled with the changes that came with Neil’s success, which led to growing tensions between them.
Infidelity Allegations: Rumors circulated about Neil’s infidelity during their marriage. Some reports suggest that he may have had an affair with his production assistant. Although Jayne remained largely silent about the reasons for their split, these allegations added another layer of complexity to their relationship.
Ultimately, by 1969, after six years of marriage, they decided to divorce. This decision marked a pivotal moment in both their lives—Neil focused even more intensely on his music career while grappling with the emotional fallout from the separation.
Where Is Jayne Posner Now?
Since Jayne Posner divorced Neil Diamond in 1969, she has largely stayed out of the public eye. After their separation, she focused on raising their two daughters, Marjorie and Elyn, with support from Neil. Although she was a schoolteacher before their marriage, little is known about her professional life afterward. Currently, at the age of 84, Jayne continues to maintain a low profile, and there is limited information available about her recent activities or whereabouts.
Where is Neil Posner?
Neil Diamond is currently enjoying a quieter life after a celebrated career in music. He married his manager, Katie McNeil, in 2012, marking his third marriage. The couple has been together since they met while working on the documentary Neil Diamond: Hot August Night/NYC in 2009.
Before marrying Katie, Neil was married to Marcia Murphey from 1969 until their divorce in 1995. They had two sons together, Jesse and Micah.
Their divorce was notable for its financial implications, with reports suggesting that Marcia received a settlement of around $150 million, making it one of the largest in celebrity history. Despite this, Neil has expressed no bitterness towards Marcia, stating that she was “worth every penny” of the settlement and that he wished her all the love that amount could provide.
Conclusion
The marriage between Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond was marked by love, support, and ultimately heartbreak due to external pressures from fame and personal differences. Their journey reflects both the sacrifices made for success and the emotional toll that such sacrifices can take on personal relationships. Despite their divorce, Jayne’s influence during Neil’s early career remains an essential part of his story.
FAQS
How long were Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond married?
They were married for six years, from 1963 until 1969.
Did Neil Diamond write any songs inspired by Jayne Posner?
Yes, some songs reflect his experiences during their marriage and subsequent divorce.
What happened to Jayne Posner after the divorce?
She has largely stayed out of the public eye since her divorce from Neil.
How many times has Neil Diamond been married?
He has been married three times; his first wife was Jayne Posner.
