Music fans around the world were stunned when Barry Manilow, the 82-year-old singer-songwriter known for timeless hits like Mandy, Copacabana, and Somewhere Down the Road.
Announced that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. The news came in late December 2025, following a lengthy battle with bronchitis that had lasted over six weeks and then relapsed for another five.
Manilow shared the story candidly with fans, explaining that his diagnosis was made after a precautionary…
Announced that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. The news came in late December 2025, following a lengthy battle with bronchitis that had lasted over six weeks and then relapsed for another five.
Manilow shared the story candidly with fans, explaining that his diagnosis was made after a precautionary MRI scan, ordered by his doctor to ensure nothing more serious had developed following his respiratory issues.
The scan revealed a “cancerous spot” on his left lung, which Manilow described as being detected very early—a fortunate outcome he attributed to both luck and attentive medical care.
The scan revealed a “cancerous spot” on his left lung, which Manilow described as being detected very early—a fortunate outcome he attributed to both luck and attentive medical care.
“It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That’s the good news,” Manilow said in his public statement.
While the diagnosis understandably caused concern, Manilow immediately reassured fans that his treatment would not involve chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, he plans to undergo surgery to remove the spot, with doctors confident that the cancer has not spread.
Manilow humorously noted that his recovery plan would include “chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns,” demonstrating the positivity and resilience that have defined his career and public persona.
Postponing Tour Dates
The singer’s arena tour, initially set for January 2026 across nine U.S. cities, has been rescheduled to late February through April to accommodate his recovery. All tickets remain valid for the new dates, ensuring that fans will not miss out on the opportunity to see him perform live.
Despite this setback, Manilow confirmed that his Valentine’s weekend concerts at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino—often referred to as his “home away from home”—will proceed as planned, giving both him and his audience a sense of continuity during a challenging period.
“Something tells me February is going to be one big party,” he wrote, adding a heartfelt reminder: “I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and remember, if you even have the slightest symptom, get tested!
On January 2, 2026, Manilow posted an update to Instagram with a smiling selfie in a hospital gown, showing fans that he was in good spirits.
The photo included a text overlay reading, “Better today!”—a small but meaningful message that emphasized his optimism.
A Life of Resilience
Barry Manilow’s health challenges are not new. In 2022, he tested positive for COVID-19 just hours before the opening night of his stage musical Harmony. Although the timing was unfortunate, he encouraged fans to attend the show in his place, demonstrating both dedication to his craft and faith in his audience.
Even now, at the age of 82, Manilow reflects on aging with remarkable energy and perspective. In a 2023 interview, he expressed that staying active is central to maintaining his mental sharpness and vitality:
“I think of people who are 80… they look older than I do. They’re retired. You know, that ain’t me. I’m just getting started. Staying busy keeps me feeling sharp and energized. You stay young if you keep working… your brain stays working.
His commitment to music and performance remains strong. In his latest statement, Manilow assured fans that as long as he could continue hitting the high notes of his classic songs—like the F natural on Even Now—he would remain active on stage:
“I’m still healthy. I’m strong and I’ve still got my voice and my energy. The night I can’t hit the F natural on Even Now, that’s the night I throw in the towel. But I can still do it.”
Smoking and Lung Cancer Risk
Manilow’s lung cancer diagnosis also drew attention to his long history with smoking, a leading risk factor for the disease.
The singer has openly discussed his decades-long relationship with tobacco, revealing in a 2012 interview that he began smoking at the young age of nine and continued the habit for 30 years, eventually quitting and later transitioning to vaping.
Although many may be surprised by the early start, Manilow’s transparency underscores his willingness to share personal health struggles publicly, using his platform to encourage awareness and proactive medical care. His experience serves as a reminder of the importance of regular check-ups, especially for individuals with a history of smoking or prolonged respiratory illness.
Barry Manilow’s Enduring Career
Beyond his health challenges, Manilow’s career spans decades of hits, sold-out shows, and a profound connection with fans. Emerging in the 1970s with songs that became staples of American pop music, Manilow earned his place in musical history with powerful ballads, catchy dance numbers, and emotionally resonant lyrics.
From the sweeping romanticism of Mandy to the theatrical storytelling of Copacabana (At the Copa), Manilow’s songs have become cultural touchstones, celebrated across generations. His live performances are known for their energy, emotional depth, and audience engagement, making him a performer whose shows are as much about shared experience as they are about music.