Barry Manilow announces he has lung cancer: details of his condition and expected return date
On Monday, the legendary American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow announced shocking news to his fans around the world, revealing that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He also confirmed that the medical outlook for his condition is optimistic and that he will undergo urgent surgery to control the disease in its early stages.
Medical Diagnosis Details
In a statement shared on his official Instagram account, the 82-year-old Grammy Award-winning actor explained that the discovery of his illness was purely accidental and fortunate. Manilow underwent an MRI scan as a precautionary measure after suffering from a prolonged bout of bronchitis. The scan revealed a cancerous patch on his left lung that required surgical removal. He praised the skill of his medical team, who contributed to the early detection of the tumor.
Treatment plan: No chemotherapy or radiation
In a message to reassure his fans, Manilow confirmed that the initial results were very promising. He indicated that doctors had decided to perform surgery to remove the tumor, forcing him to cancel a series of performances scheduled for December and January. In his post, Manilow wrote in a lighthearted tone reflecting his high spirits: "The doctors don't think the disease has spread, and I'm currently undergoing tests to confirm their diagnosis. There will be no chemotherapy or radiation. Just chicken soup and rewatching episodes of 'I Love Lucy'.".
A remarkable career and a soft rock icon
Barry Manilow is one of the most prominent figures in soft rock and romantic music worldwide, with a career spanning more than five decades. Manilow rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of timeless chart-topping hits such as "Mandy," "Can't Smile Without You," and the iconic "Copacabana." His success wasn't limited to record-breaking album sales; he became a phenomenon thanks to his live performances that captivated audiences of all ages, cementing his place as one of the best-selling artists in history.
Return to Las Vegas
Regarding his return to the stage, Manilo expressed his intention to resume performing by mid-February 2026, eager to return to what he called his "second home" at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas. Manilo's Las Vegas residency is one of the city's most successful ongoing shows, where he performs on the same stage once graced by the legendary Elvis Presley. Manilo concluded by saying, "I'm counting down the days until I can return... for our Valentine's Day shows on February 12th, 13th, and 14th," reflecting his determination to overcome this health crisis and return to entertain his fans.
