Amid his cancer diagnosis, Barry Manilow reveals why he won’t undergo chemotherapy and radiation
Barry Manilow, the legendary showman whose voice has defined a generation of pop standards, has revealed he is battling lung cancer. The diagnosis has forced the 82-year-old icon to postpone his scheduled January tour dates as he pivots from the stage to the operating room. While the news has startled his global fanbase, the singer behind “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Somewhere Down the Road” shared an optimistic outlook, noting that his treatment plan will notably bypass the traditional rigors of chemotherapy and radiation.
The Road to Discovery: From Bronchitis to an MRI
The revelation follows a grueling period of respiratory illness for the singer. In a candid message shared in late December, Manilow explained that the cancer was detected only after a protracted struggle with bronchitis.
“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” Manilow wrote to his followers. Despite the illness, the performer had managed to return to his residency at the Westgate Las Vegas. However, his physician insisted on a precautionary MRI to ensure a full recovery.
The scan uncovered a “cancerous spot” on his left lung—a discovery Manilow attributes to a mix of medical diligence and “pure luck” given how early the malignancy was caught.
“The bad news is that now that the Christmas Gift Of Love concerts are over I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed,” the star explained. “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.”
Rescheduling the Party
The diagnosis has necessitated a shift in Manilow’s professional calendar. His highly anticipated arena tour, which was set to hit nine U.S. cities this month, has been pushed back to a window spanning late February through April.
Organizers have confirmed that all original tickets will be honored for the new dates. Ever the professional, Manilow also assured fans that his signature Valentine’s Day weekend performances at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino—the venue he calls his “home away from home”—will proceed as scheduled.
“Something tells me February is going to be one big party,” Manilow remarked, ending his update with a poignant health reminder to his audience: “I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and remember, if you even have the slightest symptom, get tested!”
On Friday, January 2, the singer offered further reassurance, posting an Instagram selfie from what appeared to be a hospital bed. Clad in a gown but wearing a characteristic smile, he added a simple, hopeful caption: “Better today!”
A Legacy of Resilience
This health hurdle is the latest test of resilience for a man who has famously refused to slow down. In 2022, Manilow faced a heartbreaking setback when he tested positive for COVID-19 just hours before the world premiere of his musical, Harmony. At the time, he urged fans to support the cast in his absence, a testament to his “show must go on” ethos.
Reflecting on his age during an interview in 2023, Manilow rejected the traditional concept of retirement. “I think of people who are 80… they look older than I do. They’re retired. You know, that ain’t me,” he said. “I’m just getting started. Staying busy keeps me feeling sharp and energized. You stay young if you keep working… your brain stays working.”
He remains steadfast in his ability to deliver the high-octane performances his fans expect. “I’m still healthy. I’m strong and I’ve still got my voice and my energy. The night I can’t hit the F natural on ‘Even Now,’ that’s the night I throw in the towel. But I can still do it.”
Confronting the Past
The diagnosis also brings Manilow’s history with smoking back into the spotlight. According to the CDC, cigarette smoking remains the primary risk factor for lung cancer, and Manilow has been remarkably open about his long-term habit.
“I smoked for 30 years. I started when I was 9 years old,” he told The Standard in 2012, admitting he had quit and restarted several times before eventually transitioning to vaping.
Fans Rally for the “Fanilow” King
As news of the surgery spread, the singer’s vast community of “Fanilows” flooded social media with support. Comments ranged from lighthearted—”You even make that hospital gown look fine!”—to the deeply spiritual—”Keep healing, Barry… God is good all the time.”
After decades of sold-out arenas and chart-topping hits, the connection between Manilow and his audience remains as potent as ever. As he faces this private battle, the public sentiment is clear: the world is waiting for the music to start again.
