Music Legend Barry Manilow Scheduled for an Operation for Lung Cancer.

Barry Manilow has revealed that he was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his lung and is set to have a surgical procedure.

Early-Stage Diagnosis

The 82-year-old singer, known for a string of high-spirited hits from "Copacabana" has made him one of pop music’s enduringly popular entertainers, will have a procedure to take out a section of lung tissue in an effort to fight off the condition, which is detected early.

“As many of you know, I recently endured six weeks of bronchitis followed by a return of another five weeks.

“Although I was recovered from the illness and performing again in Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor insisted on an MRI just to make sure that all was clear.

“The MRI detected a tumor on my lung that must be removed. It’s pure luck (and a skilled doctor) that it was caught so early.”

Concert Delays

He has delayed a string of forthcoming concerts, but stated he would be back on stage by the February holiday for his enduring concert series at his Vegas home.

He went on to say: “The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to support their conclusion. So, that’s it. Chemo is not needed. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.

“I’m counting the days until I rejoin my second home in Las Vegas for our Valentine’s weekend concerts.”

Professional and Personal Journey

Manilow is presently in his 16th year of a show on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has been in the limelight and came out as gay in 2017, after wedding his partner of many years, Garry Kief privately in 2014.

The couple were in a clandestine partnership for over 35 years. In 2023, Manilow discussed how vital his partner had been to him during his explosion in popularity in the 1970s.

“During my rapid rise to fame, it was just hectic. And, you know, returning to an vacant room, you can land in a lot of difficulty if you, you know, you’re on your own night after night,” he said.

“But I met Garry right around when it was blowing up. And I no longer had to go back to those isolated suites. I had a partner to cry with or to enjoy success with.

“I desire that young people don’t have to go back to those suites by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was a shared adventure.”