Iconic Singer Barry Manilow Scheduled for Surgery for Lung Cancer.
Barry Manilow announced that he was diagnosed with cancer of the lung and will be having an operation.
Early-Stage Diagnosis
The octogenarian performer, whose parade of beloved anthems from "Mandy" cemented his status as one of pop music’s enduringly popular showmen, will have surgery to take out a section of lung tissue in an effort to treat the illness, which is in its early stages.
“As my fans are aware, I recently went through six weeks of a severe cough followed by a recurrence of another five weeks.
“Even though I was over the bronchitis and returned to the spotlight at the Westgate Las Vegas, my excellent physician ordered an MRI just to ensure that there were no issues.
“The MRI detected a cancerous spot on my left side that needs to be removed. It’s incredible chance (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.”
Concert Delays
He has rescheduled a number of forthcoming shows, but suggested he would be returning to perform by Valentine’s Day for his enduring residency in Las Vegas.
He added: “The physicians do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to support their conclusion. So, that’s it. Chemo is not needed. No radiotherapy. Just chicken soup and classic TV.
“I’m eagerly awaiting until I return to my second home for our Vegas run for our special weekend performances.”
Professional and Personal Journey
Manilow is currently in the 16th year of a show at the Westgate Las Vegas. The singer has enjoyed a career spanning many years in the limelight and revealed he is gay in 2017, after wedding his partner of many years, Garry Kief in secret in 2014.
The couple were in a private partnership for over 35 years. Recently, Manilow discussed how important his husband had been to him during his explosion in popularity in the 1970s.
“During my rapid rise to fame, it was just overwhelming. And, you know, returning to an lonesome hotel suite, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re alone evening after evening,” he said.
“But I found my partner right around when it was exploding. And I didn’t have to go back to those lonesome rooms. I had a partner to cry with or to share joys with.
“I wish that young people don’t have to go back to those rooms by themselves, because you can make poor choices. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was joyful.”