Music Legend Barry Manilow to Undergo a Procedure for Lung Cancer.
Barry Manilow announced that he was diagnosed with cancer of the lung and will be having an operation.
Cancer Caught Early
The legendary 82-year-old artist, known for a string of beloved anthems from "Copacabana" established him as one of pop music’s enduringly popular entertainers, will have an operation to extract a portion of his lung in an effort to fight off the disease, which is at an early phase.
“As my fans are aware, I recently endured six weeks of a severe cough followed by a relapse of another five weeks.
“Despite the fact that I was over the bronchitis and back on stage for my residency, my excellent physician requested an MRI just to be certain that all was clear.
“The MRI detected a cancerous spot on my left lung that requires removed. It’s incredible chance (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.”
Postponed Performances
He has delayed a number of upcoming shows, but stated he would be back on stage by the February holiday for his longstanding engagement at his Vegas home.
He added: “The doctors do not believe it has traveled and I’m undergoing further tests to support their conclusion. So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just rest and recuperation and I Love Lucy reruns.
“I’m counting the days until I return to my familiar venue for our Vegas run for our Valentine’s weekend concerts.”
Professional and Personal Journey
Manilow is currently in the 16th year of a residency on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has been in the spotlight and came out as gay in 2017, after marrying his manager and long-term partner privately in 2014.
The duo were in a clandestine relationship for over 35 years. Recently, Manilow reflected on how important his husband had been to him during his rise to peak fame in the 1970s.
“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just overwhelming. And, you know, returning to an lonesome hotel suite, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re by yourself repeatedly,” he said.
“But I encountered my future husband right around when it was blowing up. And I no longer had to go back to those isolated suites. I had a partner to share sorrows with or to share joys with.
“I hope that newcomers today don’t have to go back to those rooms by themselves, because you can make poor choices. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was joyful.”