Music legend Barry Manilow has shared a serious health update with his fans, revealing he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery to remove part of his lung.
Health discovery and diagnosis
The 82-year-old singer, famed for hits like Copacabana and Mandy, disclosed the news in a detailed social media post on Monday. He explained that after suffering from a prolonged bout of bronchitis, his doctor ordered an MRI as a precaution.
The scan revealed a cancerous spot on his left lung. Manilow described the early detection as "pure luck (and a great doctor)", calling this the good news in his announcement.
Surgery and concert postponements
The Grammy Award-winner stated that following his recent Christmas Gift Of Love concerts, he will proceed with surgery to have the spot removed. He emphasised that doctors do not believe the cancer has spread and that he is undergoing further tests to confirm this.
As a result, the star has been forced to postpone his scheduled January arena concerts. He expressed deep regret to fans for the disruption to their plans, acknowledging that he and his team were also looking forward to the shows.
Manilow outlined a hopeful recovery timeline, aiming to return to the stage by mid-February, around Valentine's Day, quipping: "Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party!"
Treatment plan and fan reaction
In a positive note regarding his treatment, the singer confirmed he would not require chemotherapy or radiation. He humorously outlined his recovery plan would involve "just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns."
He concluded his heartfelt message with a festive greeting and a crucial piece of advice for his followers: "And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom... get tested!"
The announcement prompted an immediate and overwhelming wave of support from fans across social media. Followers flooded his posts with messages of love, prayers, and well-wishes for a speedy recovery, with many expressing relief that the cancer was caught early.
The iconic performer, whose career began in the 1970s, has toured extensively for decades. His latest release, Once Before I Go, came out earlier this year.
