Barry Manilow Scheduled for an Operation for Cancer in His Lung.

Barry Manilow has revealed that he was diagnosed with lung cancer and will be having a surgical procedure.

Early-Stage Diagnosis

The legendary 82-year-old artist, whose parade of upbeat chart-toppers from "Copacabana" established him as one of pop music’s most beloved showmen, will have surgery to remove part of his lung in an effort to treat the disease, which is detected early.

“As many of you know, I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a return of another five weeks.

“Even though I was past the infection and performing again in Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to ensure that there were no issues.

“The MRI identified a cancerous spot on my lung that requires removed. It’s sheer fortune (and a skilled doctor) that it was discovered so early.”

Postponed Performances

He has rescheduled a series of upcoming live performances, but suggested he would be on stage again by Valentine’s Day for his longstanding residency in Las Vegas.

He continued: “The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m having examinations to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. No chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just home remedies and I Love Lucy reruns.

“I’m eagerly awaiting until I come back to my second home in Las Vegas for our Valentine’s weekend concerts.”

A Long Career and Personal Life

Manilow is now in the 16th year of a residency on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has enjoyed a career spanning many years in the limelight and came out as gay in 2017, after marrying his partner of many years, Garry Kief confidentially in 2014.

The couple were in a private relationship for in excess of 35 years. In 2023, Manilow discussed how important his husband had been to him during his explosion in popularity in the 1970s.

“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just crazy. And, you know, going back to an vacant room, you can land in a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re on your own 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 enjoy success with.

“I hope that newcomers today don’t have to go back to those hotel rooms by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was fun.”