Neil Diamond’s announcement that he would have to retire from the concert stage because of Parkinson’s disease marks the end of one of the most storied careers in popular music.

Parkinson’s is a long-term, neurodegenerative disease that results in movement-related problems, such as impaired balance and coordination, slurred speech and difficulty walking.

No, Diamond, who turned 77 Wednesday, isn’t done with music.

On Monday, when he said he was following doctor’s orders to cancel the coming third leg of his 50th anniversary tour that was set to begin in Australia and New Zealand in March, he said he still would be active in other capacities.

“I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come,” Diamond said in a statement. “My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer added, in a nod to his hit 1969 hit and audience favorite, “Sweet Caroline.”

But new albums by old favorites aren’t the same thing. The market isn’t designed to support the release of new music — not even from one who has enjoyed a creative renaissance since the release of “Three Chord Opera” in 2001, followed by the critically hailed “12 Songs” in 2005. Albums just don’t sell anymore.

Diamond’s last studio album, “Melody Road,” was released in 2014. A nice effort but largely ignored by the public — and the star himself.

None of its songs was featured on Diamond’s 50th anniversary tour, which played Sunrise’s BB&T Center in 2017.