Who is Marcia Murphey? All About Neil Diamond’s Ex-Wife

Marcia Murphey is best known as the ex-wife of Neil Diamond, one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time. Despite being married to a music icon for over two decades, she has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Many fans are curious about her life, her role in Neil Diamond’s journey, and what happened after their divorce.
Quick Bio
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Marcia Murphey |
Date of Birth | Not Publicly Available |
Age | Estimated in late 70s |
Place of Birth | United States |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Caucasian |
Profession | Former TV Producer |
Famous For | Being Neil Diamond’s ex-wife |
Marriage Duration | 1969 – 1995 (26 years) |
Children | Jesse Diamond, Micah Diamond |
Early Life and Background

Very little is publicly known about Marcia Murphey’s early life. Unlike her famous ex-husband, she has remained private about her childhood, education, and upbringing. What is known, however, is that she was an American television production assistant before meeting Neil Diamond.
Her career in television was modest, but it gave her financial independence. She was a hardworking woman, and her work in media helped her gain experience before she met the music legend.
Marcia Murphey’s Career
Although not much is documented about Marcia Murphey’s career, she reportedly worked in television production before her marriage to Neil Diamond. Some sources suggest she was involved in media and entertainment but in a behind-the-scenes role.
Unlike her husband, who was a global superstar, Marcia’s career did not place her in the limelight. However, her experience in television might have contributed to her ability to manage a high-profile marriage.
Meeting and Marriage with Neil Diamond

Marcia Murphey met Neil Diamond in the late 1960s when he was rising to stardom. The two connected quickly, and their relationship blossomed into marriage in 1969.
Their marriage lasted 26 years, making it the longest of Neil Diamond’s three marriages. Marcia was a supportive partner throughout his career, helping him maintain a stable home despite the pressures of fame.
During their marriage, Neil Diamond released many of his biggest hits, including:
- Sweet Caroline
- Cracklin’ Rosie
- Song Sung Blue
- Love on the Rocks
Marcia Murphey stood by him through all his career highs and lows, making her an important figure in his personal life.
Who Is Neil Diamond?

Neil Diamond is a legendary singer-songwriter known for his soft rock and pop music. Born on January 24, 1941, he became one of the best-selling musicians in history, with over 130 million records sold worldwide.
Some of his biggest achievements include:
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Throughout his career, he has been married three times, with Marcia Murphey being his second wife and the longest-lasting marriage of the three.
Neil Diamond’s Three Marriages
Neil Diamond has been married three times:
- Jayne Posner (1963 – 1969) – His first wife, with whom he had two daughters.
- Marcia Murphey (1969 – 1995) – His longest marriage, which lasted 26 years.
- Katie McNeil (2012 – Present) – His current wife, whom he married later in life.
Despite being married multiple times, Marcia Murphey remains one of the most important women in Neil Diamond’s life due to their long and deep relationship.
Marcia Murphey’s Children
During their marriage, Marcia and Neil Diamond had two sons:
Jesse Diamond
Jesse Diamond, born in the 1970s, chose a career different from his father’s. Instead of pursuing music, he became a professional photographer. His work has been featured in various publications, and he is known for his artistic vision and creativity.
Micah Diamond
Micah Diamond, the younger son, has also led a private life. Like his brother, he is not involved in the music industry and prefers a life away from the public eye.
Both sons were raised outside of Hollywood’s intense spotlight, thanks to Marcia’s efforts in maintaining a normal family life despite Neil Diamond’s fame.
Marcia Murphey’s Life After Divorce
After divorcing Neil Diamond in 1995, Marcia Murphey largely disappeared from the public eye. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses who seek media attention, she chose a quiet and private life.
Reports suggest that she received a massive divorce settlement, which allowed her to live comfortably without financial worries. Some estimates claim she received $150 million, making it one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of the time.
Despite her significant wealth, she has remained humble and avoided public appearances or interviews about her marriage to Neil Diamond.
Legacy and Contributions
While Marcia Murphey was never a celebrity, she played a vital role in Neil Diamond’s life. Many believe that her presence provided him with stability during his most successful years.
She is often remembered as a devoted wife and mother who maintained a low profile despite being married to one of the biggest music stars in history.
Financial Insights into Marcia Murphey
One of the most discussed aspects of Marcia Murphey’s life is her divorce settlement. Although never officially confirmed, she is believed to have received around $150 million, which was a record-breaking amount at the time.
This made her one of the wealthiest celebrity ex-wives in history. However, she has never flaunted her wealth or used it for publicity. Instead, she has lived a discreet and private life ever since.
Conclusion
Marcia Murphey may not be a household name, but her 26-year marriage to Neil Diamond makes her an important figure in his life story. As a supportive wife and mother, she helped him navigate fame while keeping their family life stable.
Despite her high-profile divorce, she chose to remain out of the limelight, living a quiet and comfortable life. While Neil Diamond has moved on and remarried, Marcia Murphey remains an intriguing and respected figure in his past.
FAQs
Who is Marcia Murphey?
Marcia Murphey is best known as the ex-wife of Neil Diamond, with whom she was married for 26 years. She worked as a television production assistant before their marriage.
How long was Marcia Murphey married to Neil Diamond?
She was married to Neil Diamond from 1969 to 1995, making it his longest marriage. Their relationship played a crucial role in his personal and professional life.
Does Marcia Murphey have children?
Yes, she has two sons with Neil Diamond—Jesse Diamond and Micah Diamond. Both have chosen careers outside of music and maintain private lives.
What was Marcia Murphey’s divorce settlement?
Although exact figures were never confirmed, reports suggest Marcia Murphey received around $150 million, making it one of the largest celebrity divorce settlements at the time.
Where is Marcia Murphey now?
After her divorce, she chose to live a private life away from media attention. She has not made any public appearances or given interviews in recent years.
What is Marcia Murphey known for?
Aside from being Neil Diamond’s ex-wife, she is known for her supportive role in his life and career, as well as her record-breaking divorce settlement.
For More Updates Visit: Fortune Magazine