(Photo Credits: lev radin from Shutterstock)
Music icon Barry Manilow, 82, has shared that he will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung, leading to the rescheduling of several concerts originally planned for early 2026. The announcement came on December 22, when Manilow took to social media to update fans on his health and tour plans, AP reports.
Manilow, whose career spans more than five decades with global hits such as Mandy, Copacabana (At the Copa), and Can’t Smile Without You, had been performing his annual charity concert called Christmas: A Gift of Love shows when health issues began. After battling an extended case of bronchitis, his doctor ordered an MRI that revealed the cancerous spot on his left lung. Manilow noted that the lesion was discovered very early, and medical professionals do not currently believe the cancer has spread, meaning no chemotherapy or radiation is planned, only surgery to remove the affected tissue.
In a heartfelt statement, Manilow expressed both regret and gratitude: while he is disappointed to postpone dates, he feels fortunate that the issue was identified before it progressed. He also shared that his doctors are optimistic about the outcome and that he is already looking forward to returning to the stage. The affected dates, originally scheduled for January 2026, have been moved to February through April in cities including Tampa, Columbus, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Manilow also teased a celebratory return to the Westgate Las Vegas for a Valentine’s weekend concert series in February, describing it as “one big party.”
A Statement from Barry Manilow. pic.twitter.com/p7k9XOvTnc
— Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) December 22, 2025
Barry Manilow’s influence in popular music is substantial. Since rising to fame in the 1970s, his smooth vocal style and memorable songwriting have earned him a devoted international audience, with record sales in the tens of millions and multiple chart‑topping hits over the years.
Manilow publicly came out as gay in 2017 at the age of 73, long after establishing his career and fan base. He has been in a relationship with manager and partner Garry Kief since 1978, and the two married privately in 2014 after California legalized same‑sex marriage. Garry Kief has served not only as Manilow’s life partner but also as a key force in managing his career through eras of residencies and tours. Learn more about their story here.
Fans and fellow artists alike have rallied around the singer since the announcement, wishing him well and expressing excitement for his eventual return to performing.
Wishing you a speedy and full recovery. Your music has meant so much to so many, and we’re sending you warm thoughts and best wishes for healing and strength #Fanilow pic.twitter.com/0eVx1ATT2Y
— MagicMark 🟧 (@MagicMark9) December 22, 2025
One of the greatest songwriters ever.
— Big🎧Win (@BigWinInTx) December 22, 2025
Godspeed Barry!!! 🙏🏽🦾 pic.twitter.com/uydgN0JBwQ
He is 82 and what he disclosed is on par with his longevity and his exposure to “Second-Hand-Smoke” from all the years he did nightclubs and other such venues. Yes, he came out in 2017 but he and Bette Milder were already do the Gay Bath Houses in the early to mid seventies. It was always greatly suspected and probably just as well known? He has been around for a mighty long time and has been acknowledged for his longevity in the business and his myriad contributions.
A class act. A gentleman. His taking the lead with the announcement about his health crushed the media from creating rumors and sensationalism. He has always managed the media circus brilliantly.
Not a FAN of the music but BEST WISHES for a FULL Recovery 🙂 !!!
Big fan of his music and sending Best wishes! Very sad to hear about his battle
Wow, subject really dates the few of us.
I was recently thinking about current commercials and their music VS jingles from the past.
I miss the human written jingles…
And then there was the unpublished Hoover sucks!
The repetitive fake synth music is really muzac of this millennium. AKA elevator music/ muzac. It’s like bareback with a condom! (Yeah, figurative oxymoron).
Best wishes to Barry and the rest of us thru the holidays.
Much love to Mr.B.M.,please enjoy yourself and love every moment
When the song Mandy came out many, many years ago, he was the first live concert that I ever saw. I and the group that I was with all enjoyed ourselves. I wish him a speedy and full recovery.
Saw him recently in Las Vegas –what a great showman! Wishing you the best Barry!
I’ve been a secret Fanilow for many years… is his music corny? Yes. Can he sing yes! He’s a class act as well. It’s always beem about the music and never politics or his private life… Last of the true gentleman entertainers. Johnny Mathis retired this year at 90. Another legendary class act.