On Monday, 82-year-old Barry Manilow publicly revealed that he has lung cancer, a diagnosis that will force him to postpone his highly anticipated January concerts. The singer-songwriter shared the news via an Instagram statement, explaining that a recent MRI-ordered after bouts of bronchitis-uncovered a cancerous spot on his left lung that must be removed.
The Diagnosis and Surgery
After experiencing bronchitis twice over several weeks, Manilow’s physician requested an MRI to rule out complications. The imaging returned a clear, but concerning, finding: a cancerous spot on his left lung that requires surgical removal. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed,” Manilow wrote in his Instagram statement. He added that the discovery was early, saying, “It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.” The doctors are confident that the cancer has not metastasized, and Manilow is undergoing additional tests to confirm their assessment.
Impact on Tour Schedule
Manilow confirmed that he will be “going into surgery to have the spot removed,” a procedure that will necessitate a pause in his touring plans. Consequently, the January shows, originally part of his Christmas: A Gift of Love concert series, have been rescheduled. The singer announced that the new dates will commence after his Valentine’s weekend performances in Las Vegas, with the tour running from the end of February through April. “We were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around,” he said, expressing regret to his fans for the inconvenience.
Manilow’s Message to Fans
Beyond the logistics, Manilow urged his audience to take health seriously. In his post, he wrote, “If you have even the slightest symptom, get tested!” The 82-year-old artist used his platform to advocate for early detection, emphasizing that prompt medical attention can make a critical difference. He also thanked his supporters for their understanding and patience during this unexpected interruption.
About Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow, a New York City native, has earned a legacy as a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning musician. His catalog includes timeless hits such as “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” and he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. Manilow has been married to his husband, Garry Kief, since 2014, and the couple primarily resides in Palm Springs, California.
Key Takeaways
- Manilow has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery to remove a spot on his left lung.
- The diagnosis forced him to reschedule his January concerts, with the tour now set from late February through April.
- He urged fans to seek medical testing for even minor symptoms and thanked supporters for their understanding.
Manilow’s announcement underscores the importance of early detection and the unpredictable nature of health challenges, even for celebrated performers. Fans and fellow musicians alike will watch as the veteran singer recovers and returns to the stage, hopeful that his surgery and subsequent tests bring a clear prognosis.
