Barry Manilow to Undergo Surgery for Lung Cancer.
Barry Manilow announced that he received a diagnosis with lung cancer and is set to have a surgical procedure.
Early-Stage Diagnosis
The legendary 82-year-old artist, famous for his series of upbeat chart-toppers from "I Write the Songs" established him as one of pop music’s most beloved performers, will have surgery to remove part of his lung in an effort to combat the condition, which is in its early stages.
“For those who have been following, I recently endured six weeks of a severe cough followed by a recurrence of another five weeks.
“Although I was recovered from the illness and performing again at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor insisted on an MRI just to make sure that all was clear.
“The MRI discovered a malignant lesion on my left lung that must be removed. It’s sheer fortune (and a fantastic physician) that it was found so early.”
Postponed Performances
He has delayed a string of forthcoming shows, but stated he would be returning to perform by mid-February for his longstanding residency at his Vegas home.
He added: “The doctors do not believe it has traveled and I’m taking tests to verify their assessment. So, that’s it. No chemo. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just chicken soup and favorite shows.
“I’m eagerly awaiting until I rejoin my second home at the Westgate Las Vegas for our February love-themed shows.”
Decades in the Spotlight
Manilow is now in the 16th year of a residency at the Westgate Las Vegas. The singer has spent decades in the public eye and publicly identified as gay in 2017, after wedding his longtime partner and manager privately in 2014.
The couple were in a clandestine romance for more than 35 years. Recently, Manilow discussed how vital Kief 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, going back to an lonesome hotel suite, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re alone night after night,” he said.
“But I encountered my future husband right around when it was blowing up. And I didn’t have to go back to those empty hotel rooms. I had a partner to cry with or to share joys with.
“I wish that newcomers today don’t have to go back to those hotel rooms by themselves, because you can make poor choices. I never did. But it was very solitary until I met Garry. And then it was fun.”
