Barry Manilow Reveals Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Postpones Concerts for Surgery

In a heartfelt message shared with fans this week, legendary singer Barry Manilow revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer, a development that has prompted him to postpone a number of scheduled performances as he prepares for necessary surgery. The 82-year-old musical icon's announcement on social media sparked a worldwide outpouring of concern and support from those who had followed his decades-long career. For more than half a century, Manilow’s name has been synonymous with timeless pop ballads and unforgettable live shows.

From chart-toppers like “Mandy” and “Copacabana” to emotionally resonant classics such as “Looks Like We Made It”, his songs have soundtracked countless personal memories for generations. So when he took to Instagram on Monday, December 22, 2025, to share a deeply personal health update, it marked a moment that stirred both sadness and gratitude among his loyal followers.

Manilow explained in his post that doctors were looking into a persistent illness when they found a cancerous spot on his left lung. He had undergone an MRI on his doctor's advice after battling bronchitis for several weeks, a decision he now describes as "pure luck" that allowed the condition to be detected early. He said that early detection is important, and in his case, doctors don't think the cancer has spread. “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,” Manilow wrote, reassuring fans that the situation, while serious, was not as dire as it might have been had it gone unnoticed.

Manilow is expected to undergo surgery to remove the spot later this month, and his medical team has indicated he will not require chemotherapy or radiation therapy at this time. Instead, the singer intends to recuperate for approximately a month before returning to the stage. He even made a joke about the possibility of his recovery consisting of "chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns," displaying his trademark combination of humor and optimism in the face of difficulty.

However, the necessary surgery and recovery period have meant adjusting his already-tight performance schedule. The Grammy Award-winning artist’s January 2026 arena concerts — originally set for cities including Orlando, Tampa, Charleston, Greensboro and Columbus — will now be rescheduled. These shows, which were part of what has been described as his “farewell tour,” will be pushed back by a few weeks, now planned for dates from February through April.

In spite of this sudden shift, Manilow emphasized his excitement about performing once he is sufficiently well. He has long maintained a deep connection with his audiences, and in his announcement he encouraged fans not only to take care of their own health but to look forward to the celebrations that await. He pointed specifically to a series of Valentine’s Day weekend concerts at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino scheduled to begin mid-February, which he hinted would be “one big party” upon his return.

The response from fans has been immediate and heartfelt. Social media platforms lit up with messages of support, prayers, and well wishes, as admirers reflected on the significant role Manilow’s music has played in their lives. A lot of people thanked him for being so open about the news and expressed optimism for a successful surgery and recovery.

For Manilow — whose influence on pop and adult contemporary music stretches back to the early 1970s — this chapter adds another poignant note to an already storied career. He has previously encountered health issues and has always resisted them. Yet this latest concern serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, even for those whose voices seem larger than it.

At a time when many might retreat from the public eye, Manilow’s openness about his diagnosis and gratitude for early detection offer both inspiration and awareness. His message, which he delivered with sincerity and warmth, also emphasizes the significance of listening to one's body and acting on medical advice, which may in the end save lives far beyond his own.

As the music community rallies around him, Barry Manilow’s story this holiday season is one of courage, support, and hopeful anticipation for his return to the stage he loves so dearly. Fans everywhere are now counting down the days until they can once again hear him sing — and hoping that, very soon, he will be back where he belongs.