What Happened to Jayne Posner, Neil Diamond’s First Wife?

When you think of Neil Diamond, you probably picture a man in a sparkly shirt, standing under the spotlight, singing “Sweet Caroline” while the crowd sings along. But long before the lights, fame, and millions of records sold, there was a quiet woman named Jayne Posner.

She wasn’t famous. She wasn’t a singer. She was a schoolteacher — and she was Neil Diamond’s first wife.

Jayne Posner may not be in the headlines today, but her story is still important. She was there when Neil was just starting out. She supported him, believed in him, and shared a life with him before the world knew his name.

In this article, we’ll walk through her story — from her early days and love story with Neil Diamond to what happened after their divorce. If you’ve ever asked, “What happened to Jayne Posner, Neil Diamond’s first wife?” — you’re about to find out.

Jayne Posner Quick Bio

Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond’s Relationship

Jayne and Neil were high school sweethearts. They met at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York. Back then, they were just regular teenagers — no fame, no big dreams yet, just two young people falling in love.

Their relationship grew slowly. They dated for a few years, and even when Neil didn’t have much money, he found sweet ways to show his love. Once, when he couldn’t buy Jayne a gift, he wrote her a song called “Hear Them Bells.” That’s how much she meant to him.

This wasn’t a Hollywood love story. It was a real one — sweet, honest, and full of support. Jayne believed in Neil long before the world did.

Their Marriage Years

In 1963, Jayne Posner married Neil Diamond. She was 23, and Neil was still trying to figure out his path. He hadn’t become a star yet, and they were just a young couple trying to build a future together.

Jayne worked as a teacher, helping to pay the bills while Neil followed his dream of becoming a songwriter. They lived a modest life, like any other young married couple in New York.

Those early years weren’t easy, but they were filled with hope. Jayne was always there, cheering him on. When Neil played small shows or stayed up late writing music, she stood by his side. She wasn’t just a wife — she was a real partner.

Becoming Neil Diamond’s Wife

As time went on, Neil’s career started to take off. He was writing hit songs, performing on bigger stages, and gaining attention. But with fame came long tours, late nights, and new pressures.

Suddenly, Jayne was no longer just the wife of a teacher or a local musician. She was the wife of a rising star. But Jayne was a private person. She didn’t enjoy the spotlight or all the attention that came with it.

Neil was often away, working on music, performing in different cities, and building his career. Jayne stayed home, raising their children and keeping their life together. The distance between them slowly grew, and their quiet love story began to fade.

Why Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond Got Divorced

By 1967, their marriage was struggling. Neil was traveling more than ever. The time apart, the stress, and the fame created a gap that was hard to fix. They separated in 1967 and officially divorced in 1969.

Neil has said that he was to blame. In interviews, he admitted that Jayne was a wonderful woman who supported him completely. But he was so focused on his work that he didn’t spend enough time with his family.

There were also rumors that Neil had started a relationship with his production assistant, Marcia Murphey, while still married to Jayne. And just 10 days after the divorce, Neil married Marcia. That surprised many fans and left a lot of questions behind.

Still, Jayne never spoke publicly about it. She didn’t share her side or try to get attention. She quietly stepped away and focused on her children.

What Happened to Jayne Posner After the Divorce?

After the divorce, Jayne Posner completely disappeared from the public eye. She didn’t give interviews, write a book, or talk to the media. She just chose peace.

She focused on raising her daughters — Marjorie and Elyn — and gave them a quiet, stable life. Even though Neil became a global star, Jayne kept things simple. She moved on with grace and dignity.

Some say she might have gone into business later, but that’s never been confirmed. What we do know is this: she stayed private, stayed strong, and never chased the spotlight.

Jayne Posner’s Children, Marjorie and Elyn

Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond had two daughters — Marjorie, born in 1965, and Elyn, born in 1968. After the divorce, Jayne raised them mostly on her own. She gave them a quiet and loving childhood, far away from the spotlight.

Marjorie played a special part in her father’s music. One day, while watching a parade from a hotel window, she said, “What a beautiful noise!” That little moment inspired Neil to write his famous song Beautiful Noise. Marjorie and Elyn even sang on the demo version at home with him.

Elyn also made her own path. She started a foundation called Children Who Never Forget, which helps kids who have suffered abuse. She stayed close to her father and even appeared with him at events and charity nights. Jayne must be proud of the strong women her daughters have become.

Where Is Jayne Posner Now?

So, where is Jayne Posner now in 2026? That’s the big question fans still ask.

She has stayed completely private for over 50 years. She has no public social media, no interviews, and no books. That’s rare in today’s world, especially for someone once married to a superstar.

Most reports say Jayne still lives in New Jersey, where she moved after the divorce. She has kept her life calm and peaceful. No drama. No noise. Just quiet days spent with family and close friends.

Jayne’s choice to live off the radar shows that not everyone wants fame. Some people just want peace. And that’s okay.

Jayne Posner’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

Jayne Posner is believed to have a net worth of around $500,000. It’s not confirmed, but that’s the estimate from various sources. Her money likely came from teaching, some support from the divorce, and smart life choices.

In comparison, Neil Diamond’s net worth is around $300 million. He became one of the most famous singers in the world. But Jayne never chased that lifestyle. She stayed grounded.

She’s always lived a simple life. No red carpets, no big headlines. Just quiet, private, and real. In a way, her peaceful life is a kind of success too.

Neil Diamond’s Regrets About Jayne Posner

Even years later, Neil Diamond has spoken kindly about Jayne Posner. He once said she was a “wonderful woman” who supported him completely. But he admitted that he didn’t give enough time to his family.

In an interview, Neil shared that he often cried because he missed moments with his kids and wives. His work kept him away, and he still carries that guilt. He said, “There were always tears. The kids cried, my wives cried, I cried.”

He has learned from those years. He now tries to stay closer to his family. But he never forgets the people who were there at the start — like Jayne.

Why Jayne Posner Still Gets Attention Today

It’s been decades since Jayne Posner was married to Neil Diamond. Still, many people search for her name. Why?

Because her story feels real.

She wasn’t in it for fame. She loved a man, stood by him, and quietly stepped away when it didn’t work. That kind of strength and silence is powerful.

Jayne Posner, Neil Diamond’s first wife, may not speak to the world. But her role in his life is remembered — in his songs, in his regrets, and in the hearts of fans who love real stories.

Final Thoughts

Jayne Posner’s story reminds us that not everyone who touches fame wants to stay in the spotlight. Some people, like her, help build someone else’s dream and then step back with grace.

She was Neil Diamond’s first wife, yes — but she was more than that. She was a young woman who loved deeply, supported fully, and raised strong children. Her quiet life is not forgotten. In fact, it makes her even more special.

In 2026, people still ask: What happened to Jayne Posner? The answer is simple — she chose peace. And sometimes, choosing peace is the bravest choice of all.

(FAQs)

Is Jayne Posner still alive in 2026?

Yes, Jayne Posner is still alive at 86 years old in 2026. She has lived quietly for over 50 years with no media interviews at all.

What did Jayne Posner look like when she was young?

Jayne was known for her natural beauty and calm personality. But there are almost no public photos of her — even when she was young and married to Neil Diamond.

How old is Jayne Posner now, and when was she born?

Jayne Posner was born in 1940, which makes her 86 years old in 2026. Her exact birthday has never been shared publicly.

What is Jayne Posner’s net worth today?

Her net worth is around $500,000 — very small compared to Neil Diamond’s $300 million. But she never chased fame or fortune.

Where does Jayne Posner live today?

Jayne is believed to live a very private life in New Jersey, away from the spotlight. She has no social media and is almost never seen in public.