Music Legend Barry Manilow Will Have Surgery for Cancer in His Lung.
Barry Manilow has revealed that he received a diagnosis with a cancerous growth in his lung and will undergo surgery.
Cancer Caught Early
The legendary 82-year-old artist, famous for his series of high-spirited hits from "I Write the Songs" cemented his status as one of pop music’s most beloved entertainers, will have a procedure to remove part of his lung in an effort to fight off the illness, which is at an early phase.
“For those who have been following, 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 back on stage in Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor insisted on an MRI just to ensure that all was clear.
“The MRI identified a malignant lesion on my lung that must be removed. It’s pure luck (and a fantastic physician) that it was discovered so early.”
Postponed Performances
He has postponed a number of forthcoming concerts, but indicated he would be back on stage by the February holiday for his enduring engagement at his Vegas home.
He went on to say: “The doctors do not believe it has metastasized and I’m taking tests to verify their assessment. So, that’s it. Chemo is not needed. No radiotherapy. Just rest and recuperation and I Love Lucy reruns.
“I’m looking forward to until I come back to my familiar venue at the Westgate Las Vegas for our Valentine’s weekend concerts.”
Decades in the Spotlight
Manilow is presently in his 16th year of a residency on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has spent decades in the public eye and publicly identified as gay in 2017, after tying the knot with his partner of many years, Garry Kief in secret in 2014.
The duo were in a clandestine partnership for in excess of 35 years. Recently, Manilow discussed how vital his partner had been to him during his rise to peak fame in the 1970s.
“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just overwhelming. And, you know, returning to an vacant room, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re on your own night after night,” he said.
“But I encountered my future husband right around when it was exploding. And I was spared from having to go back to those isolated suites. I had a partner to be vulnerable with or to enjoy success with.
“I wish that newcomers today don’t have to go back to those hotel rooms by themselves, because you get yourself in trouble. I never did. But it was pretty lonely until I met Garry. And then it was joyful.”