Barry Manilow, the iconic singer celebrated for timeless hits like “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” has made a tough announcement regarding his health. As he revealed on December 22, 2025, the 82-year-old musician has been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. This diagnosis came unexpectedly during an MRI ordered by his doctor after Manilow experienced a lengthy bout of bronchitis. The scan uncovered a tumor on his left lung, categorized as stage one.
Manilow described this finding as “pure luck,” reflecting gratitude towards his doctor for catching it early. Fortunately, his medical team believes the cancer has not spread, and further tests are ongoing to ensure accurate assessment. The plan includes surgery at the end of December to remove the tumor, with no chemotherapy or radiation necessary afterward. He humorously mentioned that his recovery will involve “chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”
Due to his surgery and the required month of recovery, Manilow has had to reschedule his January 2026 concert dates. However, he is looking forward to returning to the stage for special Valentine’s weekend performances at his long-standing Las Vegas residency in February.
In reaching out to his fans, Manilow has stressed the importance of early detection, encouraging them to get tested for any symptoms they may experience. This marks his second encounter with cancer; he previously faced and successfully overcame throat cancer in 2020.
When announcing this news, Manilow emphasized the journey leading to his diagnosis. “As many of you know, I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” he explained. Although he felt well enough to perform again, his proactive doctor recommended the MRI to ensure all was well. The results, albeit frightening, reflect the importance of vigilance in health.
Manilow expressed mixed feelings about the diagnosis, confirming, “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.” He didn’t shy away from discussing the reality he now faces, stating, “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.”
His optimism shines through his words, especially when he hints at the future. “I’m counting the days until I return to my home away from home at the Westgate Las Vegas for our Valentine’s weekend concerts. Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party.” This sentiment reminds fans of Manilow’s enduring spirit as he remains hopeful and connected to those who support him.
Fans have taken to social media in response to the news, sharing their prayers and best wishes. One user expressed sadness but also a deep admiration for Manilow’s music, stating, “This is such sad news. My prayers are with @barrymanilow. I’ve always loved your music and I wish you the best.” Another added, “Praying that Barry Manilow has a smooth recovery and that they remove all of the cancer in his lung.” Support has poured in from across the country, including a heartfelt message from a New Yorker: “To my Brooklyn brother Barry Manilow get well soon. We are praying for a full recovery; we are so proud of you.”
As Barry Manilow prepares for this new chapter in his health journey, his resilience and connection to his fans continue to shine brightly. He represents not only a legendary music career but also a model of hope and determination in the face of adversity.
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