NEW YORK - Neil Diamond, one of the best-selling singers of all time, announced Tuesday he was immediately retiring from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Following his doctor's advice, the Brooklyn native who turned 77 today scrapped Australia and New Zealand stops scheduled for March as part of a global tour to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a recording artist.

However, Diamond said in a statement that he plans to "remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come."

"It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years," the singer said, apologizing to his fans who had been anticipating the upcoming shows.

In a nod to his signature song "Sweet Caroline," Diamond thanked his loyal fans, saying: "This ride has been 'so good, so good, so good' thanks to you."

Some of his include "Sweet Caroline," "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon" and "Cracklin' Rosie."

An inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Diamond will be honored again on Sunday with a lifetime achievement award at the Grammys. - AFP