Introduction
Neil Diamond’s children were initially very opposed to their father’s marriage to his assistant, Katie McNeil. They were concerned about the relationship and unsure about the impact it would have on their family dynamics. However, Neil did something that ultimately won their acceptance: he ensured that the relationship was built on genuine love and respect for his children.
One crucial step that helped was that Neil made sure his children saw how much Katie truly cared for them and how dedicated she was to his well-being. Katie McNeil, who had been involved with Neil professionally for years, also demonstrated her commitment to family values, working to establish a relationship with his children that was based on mutual respect and understanding.
Over time, Katie’s role in the family evolved beyond just being Neil’s wife—she became an involved stepmother and part of their shared family life. As they saw her genuine affection for their father and her efforts to blend into the family, Neil’s children gradually accepted her. This approach, which emphasized care and patience rather than forceful insistence, ultimately helped bridge the gap and led to their eventual acceptance of the marriage.
This gesture of demonstrating the strength of their bond and Katie’s love for the family played a pivotal role in changing the children’s views and making them more open to the relationship.