Barry Manilow has revealed he has been diagnosed with lung cancer, sharing the news with fans just days before Christmas as he prepares to undergo surgery. The legendary singer, 82, announced the diagnosis in a candid statement posted on social media on Monday morning, confirming that doctors have discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung and that part of it will now need to be removed. As a result, a run of upcoming concerts has been postponed. Barry explained that the diagnosis came after a prolonged period of illness.
In his message, he wrote: “As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks.” Although he had returned to the stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, further checks were ordered as a precaution. Barry continued: “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.”
The scan revealed the unexpected diagnosis. He said: “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that is was found so early.
“That’s the good news.”
Barry then addressed the more difficult part of the announcement, confirming that surgery is now imminent. He wrote: “The bad news is that now that the Christmas Gift Of Love concerts are over I’m going into surgery to have the spit removed.”
Reassuring fans, the Grammy-winning star said doctors are optimistic about his prognosis. “The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis,” he added.
He also confirmed that further treatment will not be required at this stage, saying: “So that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”
The singer went on to explain that the operation will require a recovery period, forcing changes to his touring schedule.
He said: “The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts.”
Barry later shared updated tour dates for 2026, thanking fans for their understanding and support.
The Copacabana hitmaker has continued to perform well into his eighties and has remained a hugely popular live act, particularly in Las Vegas.
His latest announcement has prompted an outpouring of concern and well-wishes from fans around the world as he prepares for surgery in the coming weeks.
Barry Manilow’s extraordinary career has been defined by longevity, scale and emotional pull. He remains the most successful Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, with more than 85 million records sold worldwide and a catalogue stacked with era-defining hits including Mandy and I Write the Songs.
Alongside multiple number ones, he has earned Grammy, Tony and Emmy awards, while also carving out a reputation as a prolific producer.
His powerhouse live shows — including long-running Las Vegas residencies — have cemented Barry Manilow as one of pop music’s most enduring and influential performers.
