Barry Manilow has shared a personal health update, revealing he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
The 82-year-old music legend confirmed the cancer was discovered in its early stages and that doctors are optimistic about his recovery.
Barry plans to have part of his lung removed and has reassured fans he hopes to return to performing as early as February.
How was Barry Manilow’s cancer discovered?
According to the singer, the diagnosis came after what initially seemed like a routine health check following a prolonged illness.
“As many of you know, I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” he explained in a statement shared on social media.
“Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK.”
It was that scan that revealed the issue. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.”
What treatment will Barry Manilow undergo?
The singer confirmed that surgery is currently the only treatment planned, with doctors believing the cancer has not spread.
“The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis,” Barry said.
“So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”
Will Barry Manilow continue performing?
While the 82-year-old has postponed several upcoming shows, he remains focused on getting back to the stage as soon as possible.
“I’m counting the days until I return to my home away from home at the Westgate Las Vegas for our Valentine’s weekend concerts,” he said.
The performer is currently in his 16th year of a long-running residency at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino- a venue he has often described as a second home.
What has Barry Manilow said about his personal life?
Barry, whose career spans decades and includes beloved hits such as Copacabana and Mandy, came out publicly as gay in 2017.
He had previously married his longtime manager and partner, Garry Kief, in a private ceremony in 2014 after more than 35 years together.
Reflecting on their relationship in a 2023 interview with CNN Max, Manilow spoke about how vital Kief’s support was during his rise to fame.
“As my career exploded, it was just crazy. And, you know, going back to an empty hotel room, you can get into a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re alone night after night after night,” he said.
“But I met Garry right around when it was exploding. And I didn’t have to go back to those empty hotel rooms. I had somebody to cry with or to celebrate with.”
He added: “I wish that young people [today] don’t have to go back to those hotel rooms by themselves, because you get yourself in trouble. I never did. But it was pretty lonely until I met Garry. And then it was fun.”
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