Gay musical icon Barry Manilow to undergo surgery for cancer
Barry Manilow. (Getty Images)
Barry Manilow. (Getty Images)
Barry Manilow, the gay musical icon, has revealed that a “cancerous spot” has been discovered on his lung and he needs to undergo treatment to remove it.
The singer, 82, was due to perform several arena shows in January but has confirmed that these will be rescheduled while he undergoes treatment.
Posting on Instagram on Monday (22 December) the “Copacabana” singer wrote: “As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks.”
He said a doctor ordered an MRI to ensure everything was ok. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed,” continued Manilow.
“It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That’s the good news.”
The singer then shared he was having surgery to remove the spot. He 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.”
However, he also announced the rescheduling of several US shows originally due to take place in January. Those are now taking place from the end of February through to April.
As well as sharing the new dates, the post confirmed: “Ticket holders for the January concerts will be able to use their existing tickets for the rescheduled dates.”
“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans,” Manilow said to his fans. “Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around.”
He then said he was “counting the days” until he’s back onstage, due to be at the Westgate Las Vegas for several concerts around Valentine’s Day.
“Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party!” he said.
Manilow then wished everyone “a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.” He also encouraged people to get tested for cancer if they notice symptoms.
“Copacabana,” “Mandy,” and “Somewhere Down the Road” are among Manilow’s hits.
The singer came out publicly as gay in 2017 after wedding his partner, Gary Kief, in 2014. Manilow said in 2019 that coming out earlier “would have killed my career.”
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
