Beloved singer Barry Manilow recently shared the difficult news that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. As a result, he has decided to postpone his January tour dates to direct his energy toward treating his health. Barry, famous for unforgettable songs like “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Somewhere Down the Road,” has made a personal choice to avoid chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Discovery Through an MRI
In late December, Barry, who is now 82 years old, discussed his diagnosis. The cancer was discovered after he had been dealing with a persistent case of bronchitis. “As many of you know, I recently battled six weeks of bronchitis followed by a five-week relapse,” he explained. Barry expressed his gratitude toward his attentive doctor who suggested an MRI, which ultimately led to the early detection of a “cancerous spot” on his left lung.
Barry assured his fans that he would not be undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. He announced: “Now that the Christmas concerts have concluded, I will proceed with surgery to remove the spot. The doctors are hopeful it hasn’t spread, and more tests will confirm this. No chemo, no radiation—just chicken soup and reruns of ‘I Love Lucy’.”
Moving Forward
His original concert tour, which was scheduled to kick off in January 2026 in nine American cities, has been rescheduled to late February through April. All previously purchased tickets will be honored. Barry has also confirmed that his Valentine’s weekend performances at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino—affectionately referred to as his “home away from home”—will proceed as planned.
Sharing his optimistic outlook, Barry wrote, “I believe February will be a party to remember. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please, if you experience any symptoms, get them checked out!”
Barry’s recent post on Instagram, dated January 2, reveals his determination to stay positive. He uploaded a cheerful selfie from a hospital bed with a text bubble declaring, “Better today!”
Reflections on Health and Career
As many of his fans know, health issues have intersected with Barry’s career on several occasions. In 2022, the iconic singer tested positive for COVID-19 just before the premiere of his musical, “Harmony.” While the timing was unfortunate, he encouraged fans to attend the performance, underscoring the importance of the theatrical experience.
Even as he faces surgery, Barry remains committed to the music and performances that have always been central to his life. “I feel healthy and vibrant. As long as I can hit that F natural on ‘Even Now,’ I’m not stopping. It’s the music that keeps me young,” he remarked.
Lung cancer, largely attributed to smoking, has touched Barry’s life. He candidly discussed his long history with smoking, revealing, “I smoked for 30 years, starting when I was just nine years old.” Though he has since switched to vaping, Barry’s past smoking habit is a significant chapter in his health history.
A Groundswell of Support
Since making his diagnosis public, Barry has received a tremendous outpouring of love from fans. Supportive messages have been pouring in through social media. One fan affectionately commented, “You even make that hospital gown look fine! Be well!” Another encouraged him by writing, “Keep healing, Barry… You can do it. God is good all the time.”
Through his many decades of producing hit records, selling out concert halls, and enduring life’s many trials, Barry Manilow has connected deeply with his fans. As he now faces this personal health journey, that bond remains as strong as ever. We join the chorus of well-wishers, hoping for Barry’s swift recovery and return to the stage.
