He rose to fame in the 1960s with chart-topping hits like Sweet Caroline, Forever In Blue Jeans, Cracklin’ Rosie and Song Sung Blue.

Neil Diamond has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the bestselling musicians of all time.

He’s also written songs for other artists, including the Monkees, Jay and the Americans, the Ronettes, and Sonny and Cher.

On Saturday the 84-year-old singer-songwriter was honored at the Carousel Of Hope Ball in Denver, with his wife Katie and son Jesse by his side.

And he even treated the audience to a live performance of his 1969 smash hit Sweet Caroline.

Event chairman Dana Davis hosted The 39th Annual Carousel Ball, presented by Dexcom, at the Hyatt Regency Denver. 

Neil Diamond became a prominent figure in the music industry during the 1960s, recognized for his hit songs such as Sweet Caroline, Forever In Blue Jeans, Cracklin’ Rosie, and Song Sung Blue.

Diamond has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Seen in 1977

The biennial event returned to present Diamond with the Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Patrons of the evening were also treated to a show-stopping performance from the Goo Goo Dolls. 

The event raised $2 million this year, and has raised $119 million to date.

The 39th Annual Carousel Ball highlighted the significant contributions of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC), showcasing its leadership in diabetes care and the groundbreaking research and influential initiatives it has participated in since its establishment in 1978.

The event’s mission is to enhance awareness about type 1 diabetes and support the BDC’s clinical services and research. The center specializes in caring for children, adolescents, and young adults, and it conducts extensive clinical and foundational science programs aimed at preventing and ultimately curing this serious, life-threatening disease.

Dana commenced the evening’s celebrations by greeting attendees and honoring her parents, Barbara and Marvin Davis, who founded the CDF and the BDC half a century ago following her diagnosis.

She said: ‘The Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center have accomplished more than my parents could have imagined.

He’s also written songs for other artists, including the Monkees, Jay and the Americans, the Ronettes, and Sonny and Cher. Seen in the 1970s

The crooner and and Barbra Streisand; they worked on You Don’t Bring Me Flowers

From left, Diamond, Billy Joel and Barry Manilow during The 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in Beverly Hills

The musician with Dolly Parton at the After Party for Dolly Parton’s Concert Performance in September 1979 at Victoria Station in Universal City, California.

‘Together, we have advanced life-altering technologies, and with your generous support, we have raised over $117 million to continue pursuing this important mission.’

She added: ‘But our work is far from finished. Our vision is bold: to achieve the next 50 years of progress in just 25 – bringing us closer to prevention, better care for everyone living with Type 1 diabetes, and a cure.’ 

Diamond was honored with the Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his incredible service and dedication to the BDC and the role he has played in advancing type 1 diabetes care and clinical research.

The singer, who has proudly served on CDF’s Advisory Board and has attended and performed at the organization’s previous star-studded fundraising galas, said: ‘I’ve been through it all now, and I’m still coming back for more.

‘I remember being a 15-year-old in Brooklyn and dreaming of a day like this… My sincere thanks to Barbara and Dana [Davis] for including me in this beautiful evening… 

‘I’m proud to be a champion for this cause and grateful to be part of a night that brings hope to so many. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.’

Diamond and his wife Katie at the 39th Annual Carousel Ball at Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center on October 11

The couple with their 55-year-old son Jesse Diamond at the charity event

The singer-songwriter wore all black as he appeared on stage to be honored

Nick Fradiani and Diamond performing onstage during the 39th Annual Carousel Ball 

Neil was also surprised with a congratulations video featuring Hugh Jackman – who stars in the highly anticipated musical drama Song Sung Blue opposite Kate Hudson. The film follows a Neil Diamond tribute band.

Jackman said: ‘I’m thrilled you’re getting this award, because you are inspirational – not just through your music and creativity, but through your heart and your generosity. 

‘As a performer myself, you inspire me every single day. The way you connect with audiences, the way you connect to your music, the authenticity of who you are, it’s everything to me.’

Country star Luke Bryan added: ‘Congratulations, I’m a huge fan of you and all you’ve done for music… All my career, if I’m losing a crowd, all I gotta do is play ‘Sweet Caroline,’ and I got ’em back. And my wife’s named Caroline, too, so that helps!’

Honorary Event chairman and CDF co-founder Barbara Davis added: ‘It’s such a thrill to see you again and to know that you are very happy. Truly, Neil, you spread love, and I give you this award. There is no one who doesn’t know and care about Neil Diamond, so I wish you and Katie [Diamond] a happy, happy life.’

Diamond treated attendees with a live performance of his 1969 hit ‘Sweet Caroline’ with Broadway star Nick Fradiani, who played the singer in the hit musical and current tour based on his life, The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise.

The unforgettable exchange was reminiscent of an impromptu duet Diamond gave with George Clooney at CDF’s Beverly Hills gala in 2012, which became a beloved viral moment for the organization.

Diamond’s illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has seen him sell more than 130 million albums, placing him among the best-selling rock musicians ever. 

He has had 18 Top 10 albums and scored nearly 40 Top 40 singles, with ten reaching number one. A Grammy-award-winning artist, Diamond is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 

He also has received two of the highest honors bestowed upon songwriters: the Johnny Mercer Award and the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. His achievements include a Golden Globe Award, 13 Grammy nominations, an American Music Award, an ASCAP Film and Television Award and a Billboard Icon Award.

 (L-R) Robby Takac of Goo Goo Dolls, Diamond, Katie and John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls

Takac (L) and John Rzeznik (R) of Goo Goo Dolls and Dana Davis, executive director, Children’s Diabetes Foundation

(L-R) Kenny Lucas, guests and Steve Lucas attend the 39th Annual Carousel Ball 

The MacMillan Family were also honored at the event, receiving the High Hopes Tribute Award for their over three decades of support and service. 

Darius Anderson, a member of the MacMillan family living with type 1 diabetes, accepted the award on their behalf. The MacMillans, based in Denver (home to CDF’s base of operations), have served on several committees, donated auction items, made generous contributions, and brought dozens of guests to the wonderful and important events that support the organization.

Four-time-Grammy-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls closed out the evening with a performance of songs including Iris, Slide, Name, Sympathy, and Better Days.

Beyond selling 15 million records worldwide, John Rzeznik and Robby Takac have together garnered nearly a dozen platinum and gold singles combined and seized a page in the history books by achieving 15 number one and top ten hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for most top ten singles.

On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the band’s global hit Iris is now Certified Diamond and amassed more than five billion streams to date.

The event also held an auction featuring hot ticket items such as a Travis Kecle signed jersey; a stunning 18K white gold necklace with 2.3 carats of exquisite natural diamonds; and a four-night stay at the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, with a winning bid of $14,000.

Type 1 diabetes, which affects more than 9.5 million people worldwide, is on the rise. 

In the United States, approximately 64,000 people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year – about 60 percent of new diagnoses occur in adults, and roughly 30,000 are children. The Carousel Balls have raised almost $119 million to date, with proceeds supporting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the fundraising arm of and the BDC. The BDC provides state-of-the-art care to more than 8,000 patients from 49 states and over 33 countries, including 35 percent who live at or below the poverty level and 45 percent who are underinsured or uninsured.

The 2025 Carousel Ball is proudly presented by Dexcom, a company empowering people to take control of health through innovative glucose sensing technology. Underwriting support is provided by Sanofi. 

Additional sponsorship generously provided by 5280 Magazine, the official media sponsor of The Carousel Ball, the Abrams Family, MacMillan Family, Hyatt Regency Denver, The Corley Legacy Foundation, RBC Wealth Management, Eva Schoonmaker, Iris & Michael Smith and 7Cellars Wines by John Elway. 

CBS Colorado is the broadcast partner and KBCO is the radio partner of The Carousel Ball.