Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis and postpones concerts

Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer, sharing the news with fans on social media after a routine MRI identified a concerning spot on his lung. The 82-year-old performer said the cancerous area was “found so early” and that he will undergo surgery to have it removed. 

Manilow posted on Instagram that the scan was ordered by his doctor following a prolonged case of bronchitis, which included six weeks of illness followed by a relapse.

Although he had recovered and returned to the stage in Las Vegas, the MRI detected a cancerous spot on his left lung that needs to be excised. He described the early discovery as “pure luck (and a great doctor).” 

In his message, Manilow said that doctors do not believe the cancer has spread, and he is undergoing further tests to confirm their assessment. He added that treatment will involve surgery only, with no chemotherapy or radiation planned at this stage.

He lightened his announcement with a note about his recovery plans, mentioning “chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns” as part of his recuperation. 

As a result of his upcoming surgery and recovery period, Manilow is postponing his January arena concerts. He apologised to ticket holders for the change in schedule and said fans can use existing tickets for the new dates. Manilow said he was “very sorry” about the disruption to fans’ plans. 

Manilow also expressed his intention to return to performing later in the year. He mentioned upcoming Valentine’s weekend concerts in Las Vegas in February, followed by rescheduled shows in February, March and April. He encouraged his followers to seek medical evaluation if they experience concerning symptoms. 

Manilow’s career has spanned more than six decades, with hits including “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Can’t Smile Without You.”