Iconic Singer Barry Manilow to Undergo an Operation for Lung Cancer.

Barry Manilow has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his lung and is set to have surgery.

Early-Stage Diagnosis

The octogenarian performer, known for a string of beloved anthems from "Copacabana" established him as one of pop music’s most beloved entertainers, will have surgery to extract a portion of his lung in an effort to treat the condition, which is detected early.

“For those who have been following, I recently endured six weeks of bronchitis followed by a return of another five weeks.

“Although I was over the bronchitis and performing again in Las Vegas, my excellent physician ordered an MRI just to ensure that everything was OK.

“The MRI detected a tumor on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s incredible chance (and a great doctor) that it was caught so early.”

Rescheduled Shows

He has rescheduled a string of forthcoming live performances, but suggested he would be back on stage by mid-February for his enduring residency at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

He went on to say: “The doctors do not believe it has metastasized and I’m having examinations to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. No chemo. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just home remedies and I Love Lucy reruns.

“I’m eagerly awaiting until I return to my second home for our Vegas run for our Valentine’s weekend concerts.”

Decades in the Spotlight

Manilow is now in the 16th year of a concert series on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has been in the spotlight and came out as gay in 2017, after wedding his partner of many years, Garry Kief confidentially in 2014.

The couple were in a private relationship for more than 35 years. In 2023, Manilow reflected on how important Kief had been to him during his explosion in popularity in the 1970s.

“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just crazy. And, you know, going back to an vacant room, you can get into a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re by yourself repeatedly,” he said.

“But I met Garry right around when it was exploding. And I was spared from having to go back to those lonesome 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 suites by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was very solitary until I met Garry. And then it was joyful.”