Iconic Singer Barry Manilow to Undergo Surgery for a Lung Cancer Diagnosis.
Barry Manilow announced that he received a diagnosis with cancer of the lung and will undergo an operation.
Cancer Caught Early
The 82-year-old singer, whose parade of high-spirited hits from "I Write the Songs" cemented his status as one of pop music’s enduringly popular performers, will have an operation to take out a section of lung tissue in an effort to treat the disease, which is in its early stages.
“As my fans are aware, I recently endured six weeks of a severe cough followed by a recurrence of another five weeks.
“Even though I was recovered from the illness and back on stage in Las Vegas, my excellent physician insisted on an MRI just to ensure that everything was OK.
“The MRI identified a tumor on my lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was discovered so early.”
Concert Delays
He has rescheduled a number of upcoming concerts, but stated he would be returning to perform by Valentine’s Day for his long-running concert series at his Vegas home.
He added: “The physicians do not believe it has traveled and I’m having examinations to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. Chemo is not needed. No radiotherapy. Just home remedies and I Love Lucy reruns.
“I’m eagerly awaiting until I return to my familiar venue for our Vegas run for our special weekend performances.”
A Long Career and Personal Life
Manilow is currently in the 16th year of a residency at the Westgate Las Vegas. The singer has spent decades in the limelight and came out as gay in 2017, after wedding his partner of many years, Garry Kief in secret in 2014.
The couple were in a clandestine partnership for over 35 years. Last year, Manilow reflected on how crucial his husband had been to him during his ascent to stardom in the 1970s.
“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just overwhelming. And, you know, going back to an lonesome hotel suite, you can land in a lot of difficulty if you, you know, you’re alone repeatedly,” he said.
“But I met Garry right around when it was taking off. And I didn’t have to go back to those isolated suites. I had a partner to cry with or to share joys with.
“I desire that young people don’t have to go back to those hotel rooms by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was a shared adventure.”
