Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis
Barry Manilow has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with lung cancer.
The ‘Copacabana’ singer, who has sold more than 85 million records throughout his career, thankfully caught the cancer early, and hopes to be back on stage in February.
Manilow shared with his followers on Instagram on December 22nd, “As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks.”
The 82-year-old’s message continued, “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.”
Manilow then expressed his gratitude to the doctor for ensuring it was caught early, adding, “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that is was found so early. That’s the good news.”
On a positive note, Manilow added, “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.”
While he doesn’t need to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy, Manilow has been instructed to spend a month recovering, which has caused him to reschedule his planned North American arena shows in January.
These concerts have been rescheduled for between February and April 2026.
“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans. Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around,” Manilow said of rescheduling the shows.
He is due to return to the stage in February for a series of Valentine’s Day performances at Westgate Las Vegas and said he is already “counting the days before I return to my home from home.”
Manilow ended his statement by urging others to get tested, adding, “I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom… get tested!”
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