Neil Diamond may have famously sung about being a “Solitary Man,” but the legendary singer’s real life tells a very different story. The 84-year-old icon, who has been married to talent manager Kate Diamond for nearly 14 years, continues to share a partnership rooted in friendship, mutual respect and a shared love of music. Neil Diamond on his marriage to his wife Katie Speaking at the premiere of Song Sung Blue in New York on Thursday, December 11, Kate reflected on what has kept their marriage going over the years. “We’re best friends, and we really support each other. We lift each other up, and through thick and thin, through sickness and health, we really live it up. And I think that’s the secret,” she told PEOPLE. She also revealed that another milestone is around the corner. “And it’s our 14th wedding anniversary coming up in April,” she added. When asked how the couple planned to celebrate, Kate said there was no big plan in mind. “I mean, every day we try to make it special and celebrate it every day.” Fittingly, it was music that first brought the two together. In 2007, Kate worked with Irving Azoff, Neil’s manager at the time, and persuaded him to allow her to record the singer’s account. Her admiration for Neil’s catalog – including classics such as Sweet Caroline and Holy Holy – soon turned into something deeper. Their relationship grew steadily, with Kate initially wary of crossing professional boundaries. “Part of me said, ‘Don’t get involved; he’s a client,'” she told Parade in 2012. “There are many complications for many reasons. But our chemistry has grown into something that cannot be denied.” Neil also spoke candidly about how the romance unfolded. He focused mainly on his work at the time and admitted that he did not see Kate romantically at first. “We kind of fell in love, slowly,” he told The Telegraph. “She weaved her way into my heart, and I think she’s a wonderful person. I realized I’m in love with her.” The singer announced their engagement in September 2011 with a heartfelt message on Twitter (now X), “Good news coming from sunny LA/ and you’re the first to tell/ Katie and I just got engaged/ and I hope you wish us well.” They married at the Beverly Hills Hotel on April 21, 2012, with Kate becoming, as she later described herself, “a proud stepmother” to Neil’s four children – daughters Marjorie and Elyn, and sons Jesse and Micah – from his previous marriages. Neil has often spoken about how transformative marriage has been for him. “I don’t want to end this whole amazing journey alone,” he told Parade in 2012. “I want someone by my side who I love and who loves me. I finally found someone who is up to the task of being my wife because I’m very… high maintenance.” He added: “I think I’m probably the luckiest man on earth.” Their bond also influenced Neil’s music. Kate served as a creative muse on his 2014 album Melody Road, with the singer later revealing how her presence shaped the songwriting process. “I had a woman I was in love with in the picture, and just being with her and having her around me inspired me to stick with it,” he told News Corp Australia Network, about the clip Art of Love. Years later, Kate remains deeply moved by Neil’s work. At the premiere of Song Sung Blue – a film inspired by real-life couple Mike and Claire Sardina, founders of a Neil Diamond tribute band – she recalled being blown away by Kate Hudson’s rendition of I’ve Been This Way Before. “When she sang it, I sobbed,” Kate said. “It brought me to tears. It’s such a beautiful song.” Song Sung Blue will be released in theaters on December 25.