Music legend Barry Manilow shared difficult health news. On December 22, he posted on Instagram about a cancer diagnosis.
Doctors found a cancerous spot on his left lung. Manilow said it was caught early. He will need a procedure to remove it. He also apologized to fans for having to reschedule upcoming tour dates.
Manilow’s History as a Smoker
The diagnosis connects to a long-time habit. Barry Manilow was a heavy smoker for decades. He confirmed this in a 2012 interview.
He shockingly said he started smoking at just nine years old. At the height of his habit, he smoked three packs of non-filtered cigarettes every day. He once called himself a “great smoker.”
He did try to quit. For a while, he switched to using vapes. He thought it was a better choice for himself and his band crew.
Singer’s Past Health Struggles
This is not Manilow’s first battle with cancer. In 2020, he was treated for early-stage throat cancer. He has faced other serious health issues over the years.
In the 1980s, he had bronchial pneumonia and a mouth tumor. In 2004, he had heart problems. He also needed two hip surgeries in 2006 and 2011.
This new lung cancer was found after treatment for bronchitis. His doctor ordered an MRI as a follow-up. That test revealed the spot on his lung.
Manilow’s Determination to Perform
Despite his age and health, Manilow loves performing. In a 2019 interview, he joked that at 76, he should be in a wheelchair. Instead, he was still climbing stairs on stage.
He said music has helped him through tough times in life. He promised he would perform even for just one person in the audience.
His upcoming tour dates are now moved to early 2026. Fans around the world are sending their support and wishing him a full recovery.