In 1963, a Brooklyn schoolteacher married a struggling songwriter with dreams bigger than his wallet. Six years later, that songwriter became Neil Diamond—one of music’s biggest legends—and she walked away from it all. Today, at 85, Jayne Posner has accomplished what seems impossible in 2025: she’s remained virtually invisible in the age of oversharing.
While her ex-husband dominated charts and collected Grammy nominations, Posner built a life away from cameras and tabloids. Her story provides a stark contrast to today’s social media age, where privacy seems forgotten, and everyone scrambles for their fifteen minutes of fame.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jayne Posner |
| Age | 85 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birth Year | 1940 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Profession | Educator/School Teacher |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Famous For | Neil Diamond’s first wife |
| Children | 2 (Marjorie & Elyn Diamond) |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million |
| Marital Status | Divorced (possibly remarried) |
Early Life
Jayne Posner was born in 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, into a middle-class American family. Her upbringing in post-war Brooklyn shaped her grounded personality and traditional values that would later define her life choices.
Growing up in one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods, young Jayne developed a passion for education and community service. Unlike many who dreamed of Hollywood glamour, she focused on making a difference through teaching.
Details about her parents, siblings, and exact birth date remain unknown—a pattern of privacy that has characterized her entire adult life. What we do know is that Brooklyn’s cultural richness influenced her compassionate nature and dedication to service.
Education
Posner attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, the same institution where she would meet her future husband, Neil Diamond. The school, known for producing notable alumni, became the backdrop for their teenage romance.
After graduating from high school, Jayne pursued higher education and earned a university degree in education. While public records don’t specify which institution she attended, sources confirm she completed formal training to become a certified teacher.
Her academic focus reflected her genuine passion for shaping young minds. This educational foundation would serve her well throughout her career as a respected New York City schoolteacher.
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Career
Jayne Posner built her professional identity as a dedicated schoolteacher in New York City. Before marrying Neil Diamond in 1963, she had already established herself in the education field, working with children and earning respect from colleagues.
Known for her calm, compassionate nature with students, Posner approached teaching as a calling rather than just a job. She was grounded, intelligent, and focused on a life of service through education—qualities that remained constant even during her marriage to an emerging music star.
After her 1969 divorce, Posner likely continued her teaching career, though she kept these details private. Some sources suggest possible involvement in business ventures post-divorce, but nothing has been publicly confirmed.
What makes her career remarkable isn’t fame or fortune—it’s her unwavering commitment to living on her own terms, choosing meaningful work over celebrity status.
Achievements
Jayne Posner’s achievements may not include platinum records or red carpet appearances, but they reflect a different kind of success:
Personal Accomplishments:
- Built an independent career outside celebrity influence
- Raised two daughters who built successful, independent lives
- Supported Elyn’s philanthropic efforts through the Children Who Never Forget Foundation
- Maintained complete privacy for 56+ years in the digital age
Her daughter Marjorie, inspired by Neil Diamond’s song “Beautiful Noise” after saying, “What a beautiful noise, Dadd,y” during a Puerto Rican parade in New York. Elyn founded a charitable organization aiding abused children, reflecting the values Posner instilled.
Perhaps her greatest achievement is demonstrating that happiness doesn’t require public validation—a radical concept in 2025’s influencer-driven culture.
Personal Life
Marriage to Neil Diamond
Jayne met Neil Diamond during their teenage years at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. Their connection deepened when Neil worked as a waiter in the Catskills resort area after graduation.
The couple married in March 1963, when Neil was still chasing his musical dreams with little financial success. Jayne stood beside him during the struggling years, offering stability while he pursued stardom.
They welcomed two daughters: Marjorie (born 1965) and Elyn (born 1968). However, as Neil’s career skyrocketed, their marriage crumbled under the pressure of fame and constant touring.
The couple separated in 1967 and finalized their divorce on November 25, 1969, after six years of marriage. Shockingly, Neil married Marcia Murphey just 10 days later, which stunned fans and tabloids alike.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Posner made a deliberate choice to disappear from public view. Some reports suggest she remarried and moved to New Jersey, though her second husband’s identity remains unknown.
As of 2025, at 85 years old, Jayne continues living privately somewhere in the United States. She has no social media presence, has never granted interviews, and hasn’t published memoirs.
Her daughters maintain their own private lives, with Marjorie raising at least one son in New York City and Elyn running her charitable foundation while raising her daughter, Avery Max.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Jayne Posner’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1 million. This modest fortune comes primarily from her teaching career salary and possibly a divorce settlement, though the exact amount was never publicly disclosed.
In stark contrast, Neil Diamond’s net worth stands at approximately $300 million, earned through decades of hit records, concerts, and royalties. The financial disparity highlights Posner’s choice: she valued privacy and peace over pursuing wealth through her famous connection.
Her lifestyle reflects her values—no reports of luxury cars, high-end mansions, or extravagant spending exist. She lives modestly, comfortably, and deliberately out of the spotlight.
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Interesting Facts
- Privacy Pioneer: Zero social media presence or public appearances since 1969
- High School Sweethearts: Met Neil Diamond as teenagers in Brooklyn
- Musical Inspiration: Her daughters inspired Neil Diamond’s family-themed songs
- Teaching Legacy: Respected for a compassionate approach to education
- Cultural Symbol: Represents an alternative to modern celebrity culture in 2025
FAQs
Where is Jayne Posner now in 2025?
Jayne Posner is 85 years old and living privately somewhere in the United States. Her exact location remains unknown as she has deliberately chosen to stay out of the spotlight since her 1969 divorce.
What is Jayne Posner’s net worth?
Jayne Posner’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2025, earned primarily through her teaching career and possibly a divorce settlement.
Did Jayne Posner remarry after Neil Diamond?
Some sources suggest Jayne Posner remarried and moved to New Jersey after her divorce, but her second husband’s identity has never been publicly confirmed.
Who are Jayne Posner’s children?
Jayne Posner has two daughters with Neil Diamond: Marjorie (born 1965) and Elyn (born 1968). Elyn founded the Children Who Never Forget Foundation, an organization aiding abused children.
Why is Jayne Posner famous?
Jayne Posner is best known as Neil Diamond’s first wife, whom she married in 1963 before his rise to fame. Her deliberate choice to maintain complete privacy for over 50 years has also made her culturally significant.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and online sources.
