Barry Manilow Scheduled for a Procedure for a Lung Cancer Diagnosis.
Barry Manilow has revealed that he received a diagnosis with cancer of the lung and will be having an operation.
Early-Stage Diagnosis
The octogenarian performer, known for a string of beloved anthems from "Mandy" cemented his status as one of pop music’s cherished showmen, will have a procedure to remove part of his lung in an effort to fight off the disease, which is at an early phase.
“As many of you know, I recently endured six weeks of a severe cough followed by a recurrence of another five weeks.
“Even though I was past the infection and back on stage in Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to be certain that all was clear.
“The MRI discovered a malignant lesion on my left lung that must be removed. It’s incredible chance (and a fantastic physician) that it was caught so early.”
Postponed Performances
He has delayed a series of planned live performances, but suggested he would be returning to perform by the February holiday for his enduring engagement in Las Vegas.
He continued: “The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m having examinations to verify their assessment. So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiotherapy. Just chicken soup and classic TV.
“I’m counting the days until I come back to my familiar venue in Las Vegas for our February love-themed shows.”
A Long Career and Personal Life
Manilow is now in the 16th year of a concert series at the Westgate Las Vegas. The singer has spent decades in the limelight and came out as gay in 2017, after tying the knot with his longtime partner and manager confidentially in 2014.
The duo were in a discreet romance for over 35 years. Last year, Manilow spoke about how important Kief had been to him during his explosion in popularity in the 1970s.
“As my career exploded, it was just crazy. And, you know, coming home to an empty hotel 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 found my partner right around when it was exploding. And I didn’t have to go back to those empty hotel rooms. I had a person to be vulnerable with or to share joys with.
“I desire that young people don’t have to go back to those suites by themselves, because you get yourself in trouble. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was fun.”
