In a surprising turn, legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow announced on Monday that he has lung cancer and will postpone his January concerts to undergo surgery.
Diagnosis and Discovery
The 82-year-old artist revealed the diagnosis in a statement shared via Instagram. He explained that he had experienced bronchitis for two periods of multiple weeks, prompting his doctor to order an MRI out of precaution. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed,” he wrote. He added that the doctors do not believe it has spread and that he is taking tests to confirm their diagnosis.
Surgery and Schedule Changes
Manilow is going into surgery to have the spot removed. As a result, he has rescheduled the January shows that were part of his Christmas: A Gift of Love concerts. His new schedule will begin after his Valentine’s weekend concerts in Las Vegas and will run from the end of February through April. He apologized to his fans, saying, “We were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around.”
Health Message
He encouraged his fans to be proactive about their health, writing, “If you have even the slightest symptom, get tested!” The artist’s Instagram post highlighted the importance of early detection and regular check-ups.
About Barry Manilow
A New York City native, Manilow is a Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-winning musician. His hits include “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” and he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. He has been married to his husband Garry Kief since 2014, and the couple’s primary residence is in Palm Springs, California.
Key Takeaways
- Barry Manilow has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery.
- The January concerts are postponed; the next shows start after February.
- He urges fans to get tested early and shares his story on Instagram.
Barry Manilow’s announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and the impact of timely medical intervention. Fans and the public are encouraged to stay vigilant about their health and to seek medical advice if any symptoms arise.
