> At a Glance
> – Barry Manilow shared a Jan. 2 hospital selfie captioned “Better Today!”
> – Weeks earlier he revealed a cancerous spot on his left lung required surgery
> – The singer has paused touring while recovering
> – Why it matters: Fans get the first visual proof the 82-year-old is on the mend after early-stage cancer treatment.
The Instagram shot-green gown, hospital bed, broad smile-landed Friday morning and instantly reassured worried followers. It’s the first public glimpse of Barry Manilow since he announced his lung-cancer diagnosis late last year.
The Post That Started It
Manilow’s simple caption, “Better Today!”, accompanied a selfie taken during what appears to be a routine check-up. Backup singer Melanie Taylor cheered, “That’s my boss y’all!” while drummer Matt Sorum added, “Heal up Barry, much love.”
How We Got Here
In December the 82-year-old told fans an MRI-ordered after a stubborn bout of bronchitis-found a small cancerous spot on his left lung.
Key points from his Facebook statement:
- Spot caught “very, very early”
- No need for chemo or radiation
- Surgery required; tour dates paused
- Recovery plan: “chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns”
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | Six-week bronchitis battle |
| Dec 2024 | Cancer spot discovered; surgery scheduled |
| Jan 2 2025 | Hospital selfie signals progress |
What’s Next
Manilow told News Of Los Angeles last month he felt “great” and had “no symptoms,” crediting proactive doctors. He reiterated to Billboard in June he’ll keep performing “until I can’t hit the F natural on ‘Even Now.'”
Key Takeaways
- Early detection spared the legend more aggressive treatment
- No chemotherapy or radiation required
- Touring remains on hold while he heals
- Fans can expect the singer back once doctors clear him
For now, one selfie says it all: the “Copacabana” crooner is on the upswing.
