Not many people know the name Jayne Posner, but many know her famous ex-husband — Neil Diamond. He’s the American singer and songwriter known for his popular songs like Sweet Caroline and Cracklin’ Rosie. But long before the fame and money, there was Jayne.
Jayne Posner was there when Neil Diamond was starting his career. She was his first love, his biggest supporter, and the mother of his two daughters. After their marriage ended, Jayne stepped away from the public eye and decided to live a private life.
So, who is Jayne Posner? And where is she today? In this article, we’ll talk about her early life, how she met Neil Diamond, their life together, their divorce, and what happened after. Let’s get started!
Jayne Posner Profile Summary
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jayne Posner |
| Born | 1940 |
| Age (2025) | Around 85 years old |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | First wife of Neil Diamond |
| Marriage Year | 1963 |
| Divorce Year | 1969 |
| Children | Two daughters — Marjorie & Elyn |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million |
Who Is Jayne Posner?
Jayne Posner is mostly known as the first wife of Neil Diamond. But there is more to her than that. She was a schoolteacher, a mother, and someone who loved her privacy.
She was never interested in fame. Even after marrying a man who became a superstar, Jayne never tried to be in the public eye. She stayed quiet, calm, and private. That’s why people are still curious about her today.
You won’t find many pictures of Jayne Posner online. She hasn’t given interviews. But her role in Neil Diamond’s life was very real and very important.
Jayne’s Early Life & Education
Jayne Posner was born in 1940 in Brooklyn, New York. According to details, she grew up in a Jewish family, and her parents’ names are not known to the public.
As a child, Jayne lived a simple and quiet life. She wasn’t famous, and there’s not much known about her early years — which shows just how private she has always been.
She went to Abraham Lincoln High School, a well-known school in Brooklyn. Later, she went to college and studied business administration. After that, she became a schoolteacher in New York.
Jayne was smart, educated, and kind. She loved teaching and helping others — a path very different from the music world she would later enter.
How Jayne Posner Met Neil Diamond
Jayne Posner met Neil Diamond when they were both in high school. They were just teenagers back then. It was at Abraham Lincoln High School where their story began.
Neil was on the fencing team and loved music. He wasn’t a star yet — just a regular young man with a dream. Jayne was focused on her studies and had a calm, supportive nature.
They started dating in the late 1950s. Their bond grew stronger as they got older. Neil even wrote his very first song for Jayne. The song was called “Hear Them Bells,” and it was written as a romantic way to ask her to marry him.
Their Marriage and Life Together
After dating for a few years, Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond got married in 1963. At that time, they were both young. Neil was just starting his music journey, and life was still simple.
Jayne worked as a schoolteacher, and her job helped support their family while Neil focused on writing songs and trying to become a singer. She was there when things were hard. She gave him the stability he needed.
They weren’t rich. They didn’t live like celebrities. But Jayne was always there, believing in Neil’s talent. During this time, she was not just a wife — she was his support system.
As Neil’s career started to grow in the late 1960s, things began to change. He was getting more attention, spending more time away from home, and becoming a rising star. Sadly, the fame started to create distance between them.
Meet Their Two Daughters
During their marriage, Jayne and Neil had two daughters together:
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Marjorie Diamond, born in 1965
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Elyn Diamond, born in 1968
Jayne loved being a mother. After their divorce, she raised the girls mostly on her own. They lived in New York, where Jayne gave them a quiet and stable home life, away from the spotlight.
Their daughter Marjorie is known for inspiring one of Neil Diamond’s famous songs — “Beautiful Noise.” During a parade in New York, Marjorie looked outside and said, “What a beautiful noise.” Neil turned that simple moment into a full song.
Elyn, the younger daughter, later started a charity called Children Who Never Forget, which helps abused children. She also got married to Mitchel Resnick and had a daughter named Avery Max in 2004.
Jayne helped raise daughters who are strong, kind, and caring — just like she is.
Jayne’s Divorce from Neil Diamond
Things began to fall apart around 1967. Neil Diamond was becoming more and more famous, and the pressure of his career made things difficult at home.
The couple officially divorced in 1969. One story says that Jayne Posner once claimed Neil went out to buy cigarettes and never came back.
Just 10 days after their divorce, Neil married Marcia Murphey, his second wife. Some people believe there may have been cheating involved, but Jayne never spoke about it publicly.
Neil has taken the blame in interviews. He said he was too busy and didn’t spend enough time with his family. He called Jayne a “spectacular woman” and said he couldn’t make the marriage work because of his own faults.
Neil also admitted the breakup inspired his 1969 song “Hurtin’ You Don’t Come Easy.” Even though the marriage ended, both Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond stayed respectful, especially for the sake of their daughters.
Where Is Jayne Posner Now?
After her divorce from Neil Diamond in 1969, Jayne Posner quietly stepped away from the spotlight. She didn’t appear in any interviews. She didn’t write a book or speak to the media. Instead, she chose a calm and private life.
Some sources say she remarried after her split from Neil, but nothing has been confirmed. It’s also believed she moved to New York or New Jersey with her daughters. Even though Neil became more and more famous, Jayne stayed far from all of it.
Today, in 2025, Jayne Posner is around 85 years old. She is still believed to be living in the United States, but no one knows exactly where. She has no social media, no public pictures, and no public updates.
Jayne Posner’s Net Worth
Jayne Posner’s exact net worth is not known, but many sources say it may be between $500,000 and $1 million. She was never part of the music or TV world. She didn’t become a celebrity. Most of her money likely came from her past job as a schoolteacher and maybe some money from the divorce.
On the other hand, Neil Diamond became very famous and made a lot of money. Today, his net worth is around $300 million.
Final Thoughts
Jayne Posner may not be a celebrity, but her story is powerful in its own way. She was there for Neil Diamond before the world knew his name. She believed in him, supported him, and helped build the life he later became famous for.
After their marriage ended, she didn’t stay in the spotlight. She quietly raised her daughters, lived her life, and never asked for attention. That takes strength. In a world where many chase fame, Jayne chose silence, privacy, and peace.
Her daughters, especially Elyn, went on to do meaningful work — like helping abused children. That says a lot about the kind of mother Jayne was. Even though she stayed out of the news, her values live on through her family.
In the end, Jayne Posner shows us something simple but important: you don’t need to be loud to make a difference. She lived her truth, and that’s what truly matters.
(FAQs)
Who was Neil Diamond’s first wife?
Neil Diamond’s first wife was Jayne Posner. They met in high school and got married in 1963, before he became famous.
Did Jayne and Neil have children?
Yes, they had two daughters — Marjorie and Elyn Diamond.
Is Jayne Posner still alive?
Yes, Jayne Posner is still alive. She might be living a quiet life in the United States, away from the public.
What is Jayne Posner’s age?
Jayne Posner was born in 1940, so she is around 85 years old in 2025.
Is Neil Diamond married now?
Yes, Neil Diamond is currently married to Katie McNeil. They got married in 2012 and are still together.
