Barry Manilow to Undergo a Procedure for Lung Cancer.
Barry Manilow announced that he received a diagnosis with lung cancer and will be having a surgical procedure.
Cancer Caught Early
The octogenarian performer, known for a string of upbeat chart-toppers from "I Write the Songs" established him as one of pop music’s most beloved showmen, will have an operation to remove part of his lung in an effort to treat the disease, which is in its early stages.
“For those who have been following, I recently went through six weeks of a bronchial infection followed by a return of another five weeks.
“Although I was over the bronchitis and returned to the spotlight for my residency, my wonderful doctor insisted on an MRI just to make sure that all was clear.
“The MRI identified a cancerous spot on my lung that must be removed. It’s sheer fortune (and a skilled doctor) that it was discovered so early.”
Postponed Performances
He has delayed a series of forthcoming live performances, but stated he would be on stage again by Valentine’s Day for his long-running concert series at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino.
He continued: “The medical team do not believe it has traveled and I’m taking tests to support their conclusion. So, that’s it. No chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just home remedies and classic TV.
“I’m looking forward to until I return to my home away from home at the Westgate Las Vegas for our special weekend performances.”
A Long Career and Personal Life
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 spotlight and publicly identified as gay in 2017, after marrying his manager and long-term partner privately in 2014.
The pair were in a discreet partnership for in excess of 35 years. Last year, Manilow spoke about how vital his partner had been to him during his explosion in popularity in the 1970s.
“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just hectic. And, you know, coming home to an vacant room, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re on your own evening after evening,” 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 empty hotel rooms. I had somebody to be vulnerable with or to share joys with.
“I hope that young people don’t have to go back to those hotel 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 a shared adventure.”