Legendary singer Barry Manilow announced Monday, December 22, 2025, that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous spot discovered on his left lung.
The 82-year-old Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award winner shared the news on Instagram, explaining that the discovery came after an extended battle with bronchitis. Manilow had suffered from bronchitis for six weeks, followed by a relapse that lasted another five weeks.
“Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK,” Manilow wrote. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.”
The doctors do not believe the cancer has spread, and Manilow is undergoing tests to confirm their diagnosis. The singer will not require chemotherapy or radiation treatment following the surgery.
As a result of the one-month recovery period, Manilow has been forced to reschedule his January arena concerts. The postponed shows include performances in Orlando, Tampa, Charleston, Greensboro and Columbus.
“I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed,” Manilow told fans. “The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts. I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans.”
The singer plans to return to the stage for his Valentine’s weekend concerts at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. New shows have been scheduled from late February through April.
Manilow has been married to Garry Kief since 2014. The couple resides in Palm Springs, California.
The New York City native rose to fame with a string of beloved hits including Copacabana and Mandy. His remarkable career has spanned more than five decades, earning him recognition as one of pop music’s most enduring performers.
In addition to his Grammy, Tony and Emmy awards, Manilow was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002, cementing his legacy as one of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished artists.
The diagnosis comes at a time when Manilow has maintained an active performance schedule, particularly through his long-running residency at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. The singer had returned to the stage following his recovery from bronchitis before his doctor ordered the precautionary MRI that ultimately led to the cancer diagnosis.
Fans who purchased tickets for the January shows will need to make adjustments to their travel and scheduling plans. The rescheduled performances will take place after the Valentine’s weekend concerts, with the new tour running through April.
In his announcement, Manilow expressed gratitude for the early detection of the cancer and emphasized the importance of his doctor’s diligence in ordering the MRI despite his recovery from bronchitis. The singer acknowledged that the discovery was fortunate timing that could prove crucial to his treatment and recovery.
The postponement of the January arena tour represents a significant disruption to Manilow’s schedule, but the singer remains optimistic about his return to performing. His decision to move forward with the Valentine’s weekend shows in Las Vegas signals his determination to resume his career as quickly as his recovery allows.
Manilow apologized to fans for the inconvenience caused by the rescheduling, acknowledging the disappointment felt by those who had made plans to attend the January concerts. He expressed that he and his team were also looking forward to the performances and regretted having to move everything around.
The surgery marks a challenging moment for the veteran performer, whose career has brought joy to millions of fans worldwide. However, the early detection and favorable prognosis offer hope for a successful recovery and return to the stage that has been his home for decades.
Sources:
https://news.sky.com/story/barry-manilow-needs-surgery-for-lung-cancer-singer-reveals-13486763
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/barry-manilow-reveals-lung-cancer-will-reschedule-shows-undergo-surger-rcna250498
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/dec/22/barry-manilow-surgery-lung-cancer
https://barrymanilow.com/