Barry Manilow gave fans an emotional update this week about his grueling recovery from lung cancer surgery, revealing that impatience has made the healing process “agony” even as he celebrated a career milestone spanning more than five decades.
The 82-year-old Grammy Award winner posted a video on social media Tuesday, March 3, announcing that his latest single “Once Before I Go” had debuted on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart—extending his chart presence across six decades. The achievement traces back to November 1974, when “Mandy” first appeared on the Adult Contemporary chart before climbing to No. 1 on the Hot 100 in January 1975. That breakout ballad launched one of the most remarkable runs in pop music history.
“It’s been a long ride and since I have no patience, it’s been agony,” Manilow said in the video. “But I am getting stronger. And I have great doctors and wonderful friends and family, but I am so looking forward to getting back on stage.”
The “Copacabana” hitmaker announced his diagnosis in December 2025, explaining that doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung during follow-up imaging after an unusually prolonged bout of bronchitis that lasted eleven weeks. The early-stage cancer prompted immediate surgery. Fortunately, the disease had not spread, sparing Manilow from chemotherapy or radiation—a relief he characterized with typical humor as requiring only “chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”
Despite his determination to return to performing, Manilow has faced multiple setbacks in his recovery timeline. He postponed his January 2026 arena shows and later rescheduled February and March tour dates, including his Valentine’s weekend concerts in Las Vegas. All shows from February 27 through March 17 have been pushed back, with his next scheduled performance set for March 26 at the Westgate Las Vegas.
The farewell tour interruption has proven particularly frustrating for the singer-songwriter, who has been pushing himself to rebuild his strength. Manilow revealed he has been walking on a treadmill three times daily but still cannot sing more than three songs in a row without stopping. His surgeon delivered sobering news: the singer’s lungs were not yet ready for the physical demands of a full 90-minute show. The doctor reportedly told him he “wouldn’t make it through” if he attempted the early arena dates.
Still, Manilow maintained his characteristic humor in Tuesday’s social media update. Looking healthy and energetic, he joked about being “100 years old with a top ten single” and referenced his grandmother’s quip that “next thing you know, they’ll be walking on the moon.”
The song “Once Before I Go” holds special significance for the veteran performer. Legendary producer Clive Davis suggested the track, which was written by Peter Allen and Dean Pitchford and featured in the Broadway musical “The Boy From Oz” starring Hugh Jackman. Manilow has said he always loved the reflective ballad but felt he needed to wait until this stage of his life to give it the emotional authenticity it deserved.
The single’s success previews Manilow’s upcoming album “What A Time,” which he enthusiastically promoted in his video message. He thanked Davis for the song suggestion, radio stations for giving it airplay, and fans for requesting it. The comments section flooded with messages of relief at his recovery progress and excitement for his return.
This cancer diagnosis marks Manilow’s second battle with the disease. In 2020, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent successful surgical treatment. His recovery from that illness demonstrated notable preservation of his vocal abilities—remarkable for a performer whose instrument is his voice. The lung cancer discovery five years later underscores the importance of diagnostic vigilance that Manilow has championed publicly.
Manilow’s career has defined adult contemporary music since the 1970s, producing era-defining hits including “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” “I Write the Songs,” and “Looks Like We Made It.” His Las Vegas residency at the Westgate has become legendary, and his farewell tour represents the closing chapter of more than five decades of performances. Next month, he will receive the American Advertising Federation’s President’s Award at the Advertising Hall of Fame induction ceremony, honoring his iconic jingle work for brands including State Farm, McDonald’s, and Pepsi.
As Manilow continues his recovery, his resilience and determination have become as much a part of his story as his musical achievements. He closed his video with a message both grateful and defiant: “So here’s to another century of making music together, my friends. All my love and gratitude.”