Barry Manilow’s Cancer Battle Takes Unexpected Turn

Clear Facts

• Barry Manilow, 82, announced he must cancel his May Las Vegas residency dates due to ongoing lung cancer treatment
• The legendary performer revealed his doctors say he’s making great progress and will be ready for UK arena shows in June
• Manilow was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer in December after doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung following severe bronchitis

Despite facing a challenging health battle, iconic American entertainer Barry Manilow is keeping his spirits high and his eyes on the stage. The 82-year-old singer-songwriter provided a hopeful update on his lung cancer treatment while announcing additional show cancellations.

On Friday, Manilow told fans he must cancel his “Hits Come Home” residency dates in May at Westgate Resort in Las Vegas. However, the news came with a silver lining—his doctors report he’s making excellent progress in his recovery.

“Good news! I went to the doctor yesterday and he said I’m making great progress and look great!” Manilow wrote on social media. “Well of course I do! Thank you very much! All the training and exercising I’ve put in is paying off.”

“He did say, however, that I’m not quite ready for Vegas. That means I won’t be able to return for our May shows at @WestgateVegas,” he continued. “But the good news is he said I will be ready for my June arena shows in the UK. It’s going to be great to see you all in the UK. Westgate Las Vegas is my home away from home…and I’ll see you all in July.”

The veteran performer’s health journey began in December when doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung following an extended bout of bronchitis that lasted eleven weeks total.

“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” Manilow explained at the time. “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. 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. That’s the good news.”

The early detection proved crucial in Manilow’s treatment plan. Doctors determined the cancer had not spread, allowing for surgical removal without the need for chemotherapy or radiation.

“The bad news is that now that the Christmas A Gift of Love concerts are over I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed,” he said in December. “The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm the diagnosis. So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

In February, Manilow faced a setback when his surgeon advised him to reschedule additional tour dates. The performer shared the difficult conversation with his medical team.

“He said, ‘Barry, you won’t be ready to do a 90-minute show. Your lungs aren’t ready yet,'” Manilow recalled.

“You’re in great shape considering what you’ve been through, but your body isn’t ready. You shouldn’t do the first arena shows. You won’t make it through.”

Despite the postponements, Manilow’s determination remains unshaken. His commitment to physical training and recovery has impressed his medical team, positioning him for a summer return to performing.

The singer’s transparent approach to sharing his health journey demonstrates both courage and gratitude for the fans who have supported his decades-long career. His positive attitude and dedication to proper recovery show the kind of perseverance that built his legendary status in American entertainment.

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