Iconic Singer Barry Manilow Scheduled for an Operation for Lung Cancer.
Barry Manilow has revealed that he received a diagnosis with a cancerous growth in his lung and is set to have an operation.
Early-Stage Diagnosis
The legendary 82-year-old artist, known for a string of beloved anthems from "Mandy" established him as one of pop music’s cherished performers, will have a procedure to remove part of his lung in an effort to combat the disease, which is in its early stages.
“As my fans are aware, I recently went through six weeks of a severe cough followed by a relapse of another five weeks.
“Even though I was over the bronchitis and performing again at the Westgate Las Vegas, my attentive medical team insisted on an MRI just to make sure that all was clear.
“The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my lung that requires removed. It’s pure luck (and a fantastic physician) that it was caught so early.”
Postponed Performances
He has delayed a string of upcoming concerts, but indicated he would be back on stage by mid-February for his long-running engagement in Las Vegas.
He went on to say: “The physicians do not believe it has metastasized and I’m taking tests to support their conclusion. So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiotherapy. Just rest and recuperation and I Love Lucy reruns.
“I’m eagerly awaiting until I return to my home away from home in Las Vegas for our February love-themed shows.”
A Long Career and Personal Life
Manilow is currently in the 16th year of a residency in Nevada. The singer has been in the public eye and revealed he is gay in 2017, after tying the knot with his partner of many years, Garry Kief privately in 2014.
The duo were in a private relationship for over 35 years. Last year, Manilow spoke about how important his husband had been to him during his rise to peak fame in the 1970s.
“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just overwhelming. And, you know, coming home to an vacant room, you can find yourself in a lot of problems if you, you know, you’re by yourself evening after evening,” he said.
“But I encountered my future husband right around when it was blowing up. And I was spared from having to go back to those isolated suites. I had a partner to share sorrows with or to share joys with.
“I hope that aspiring artists don’t have to go back to those suites by themselves, because you can make poor choices. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was joyful.”