Barry Manilow is opening up about a shocking health scare that forced him to rethink his life. The 82-year-old singer revealed to People that he was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer late last year, after a doctor investigating hip pain and recent bronchitis symptoms ordered an MRI. The scan unexpectedly revealed a small spot on his lung. “If he hadn’t done that… he saved my life, because there are no symptoms for what I had,” Manilow said, admitting that he was initially in disbelief when he heard the word “cancer.”
Soon after, Manilow underwent a lobectomy to remove part of his left lung and spent seven days in the ICU, which he describes as a “nightmare.” Thankfully, he is now cancer free and did not require chemotherapy or radiation. “I’m one of the lucky ones,” he reflected. With the support of his husband and manager, Garry Kief, his family, and devoted fans—known as “Fanilows”—Manilow said the experience forced him to pause and reassess his life, concentrating on recovery and “learning how to breathe again.” “This really rocked me, but I’m getting stronger,” he added.
While still recovering, Manilow is preparing to release his 33rd studio album, What a Time, on June 5. He is also celebrating a new top 10 adult contemporary single, marking six consecutive decades on the charts. Though he postponed concerts following his diagnosis, his rescheduled farewell tour will begin on April 13 at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York, according to Rolling Stone.