The legendary singer Barry Manilow has made the sad announcement that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He will now be undergoing major surgery.
Manilow’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis
“As many of you know, I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” Manilow, 82, said in a statement posted to Instagram. “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. 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. That’s the good news.”
“The bad news is that now that the Christmas Gift of Love concerts are over, I’m going to need surgery to have the spot removed,” the “Copacabana” singer continued. “The doctors do not believe it has spread, and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns. The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts.”
“I’m very sorry that you had to change your plans,” Manilow added. “Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and I hate having to move everything around.”
Manilow Determined To Keep Performing
Despite his cancer diagnosis, Manilow is already looking forward to returning to performing. Indeed, he is “counting the days” until he can return to the Westgate Las Vegas for his concerts that are scheduled to take place over Valentine’s Day weekend on February 12-14 and “throughout 2026.”
“Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party!” Manilow concluded. “I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom … get tested! I’ll see you at the Westgate Las Vegas for Valentine’s!”
Manilow’s shows that were scheduled to take place in January have since been rescheduled for February 27 through April 29. Anyone who had tickets to the “Mandy” singer’s January shows will now be able to use their tickets for those shows.
Manilow’s Previous Health Challenges
This is sadly not the first time Manilow has fought cancer. He previously battled throat cancer in 2020. Thankfully, that cancer was detected early and was relatively easy to treat. Though the cancer battle was relatively painless, Manilow was still fearful that it would come back.
“You can’t help but think about it,” he confessed of this after his throat cancer battle. “Every little ache or pain makes you wonder if it’s coming back.”
Manilow reportedly has a long history of cigarette smoking and vaping. Aside from his cancer battles, he’s had other health issues that include bronchial pneumonia, a mouth tumor, heart problems and hip surgery.
Manilow has previously admitted that his health issues have made him confront his own mortality.
“It makes you appreciate every moment,” Manilow said last year of his health challenges. “You realize how fragile life is.”
Manilow is a true living legend, and there will never be another one like him. Please join us in saying a prayer for him as he begins his lung cancer battle.
God bless you, Barry Manilow!