Barry Manilow announces lung cancer diagnosis, postpones shows for surgery

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has revealed that he was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery, forcing him to reschedule his January concert dates.

Manilow, 82, shared the news in a statement posted on Instagram on Monday, December 22, saying that the diagnosis came after an MRI scan detected a cancerous spot on one of his lungs. 

Diagnosis discovered during routine scan

The scan was ordered following weeks of persistent bronchitis while he was performing during a residency in Palm Springs, California.

“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” Manilow wrote.

“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,” he stated.

The test revealed “a cancerous spot” on his left lung that now needs to be removed.

Barry Manilow says ‘pure luck’ and early detection

Manilow said that doctors believe the cancer was caught at an early stage and does not appear to have spread.

“It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early,” he wrote, adding that he is currently undergoing tests to confirm the diagnosis.

“The doctors do not believe it has spread,” Manilow said. “So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

The singer, best known for enduring hits such as 'Copacabana', 'Mandy' and 'Can’t Smile Without You', reassured fans that he remains optimistic and focused on recovery.

Barry Manilow says January shows pushed back

Manilow recently wrapped up a series of Christmas performances at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. However, his January concert dates will be postponed as he undergoes surgery and recuperates.

According to his official website, the January shows were scheduled at arenas across Florida, South Carolina and Georgia as part of a wider US tour. Manilow said those performances will now be moved to February, March and April.

“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans,” he told fans. “Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around.”

Barry Manilow's return to the stage planned for February

Despite the setback, Manilow said that he expects to return to work by February and intends to resume performances during Valentine’s Day weekend in Las Vegas, where he holds a lifetime residency at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

“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 on February 12-13-14 and throughout 2026,” he said. “Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party.”

Manilow’s tour is also scheduled to continue later in the year, including dates in the United Kingdom.