12/22/25: Barry Manilow Lung Cancer Reveal

Trusted Source: Entertainment Weekly at EW.com

Author: Shania Russell

Barry Manilow is pausing his farewell tour to deal with a serious health issue. 

On Monday, the “Copacabana” singer revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is scheduled to undergo surgery. The lengthy statement, shared across the 82-year-old singer’s social media pages, also reassured fans that the cancer was “found early.”

“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” Manilow’s message began. “Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK.”

He continued, “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that [it] was found so early. That’s the good news.”

Manilow went on to explain that in the wake of his diagnosis, as he prepares for treatment and recovery, several upcoming tour dates will need to be rescheduled. 

“The bad news is that now that the Christmas A Gift of Love concerts are over, I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed,” he explained. “The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

Manilow continued, “The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts. I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans. Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around.”

The “Somewhere Down the Road” singer concluded by encouraging fans to also ask their doctors, should they notice any concerning symptoms.

“I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he wrote. “And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom…get tested!”