**Barry Manilow Opens Up About His Cancer Journey Ahead of New Album Release**
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Music legend Barry Manilow has candidly shared his harrowing experience with stage 1 lung cancer in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The 82-year-old icon, known for his hits and upcoming 33rd studio album “What a Time,” admits that his life was turned upside down following the diagnosis in late November.
In November, during a visit to the doctor for hip discomfort, Manilow underwent an MRI. The physician, aware that the singer had recently battled bronchitis, ordered additional scans of his lungs. “If he hadn’t done that… he saved my life, because there were no symptoms for what I had,” Manilow reflected. He was blindsided when the test results revealed a suspicious dot in one of his lungs, eventually confirmed to be cancerous.
Upon receiving the life-altering news, Manilow’s reaction was one of disbelief. “That’s a bad word. ‘Not me. F— you. I can’t have cancer,’” he recalls, grappling with the gravity of the situation. The diagnosis was a wake-up call for the artist, who noted that the cancer could have been present for several years without his knowledge. “If it had gone any further, then I would be in serious trouble,” he added, acknowledging the precariousness of his condition.
Four weeks later, the popular entertainer was admitted for a lobectomy to remove the affected part of his lung. His recovery included a week in intensive care, which he described as a “nightmare” that he was grateful not to fully remember. Despite the gravity of the surgery, Manilow was fortunate to avoid chemotherapy and radiation, heralding the successful procedure as a turning point in his battle against the disease.
Now cancer-free, Manilow has much to celebrate. Not only is he gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated album on June 5, but he also recently achieved a remarkable milestone. His latest single, “Once Before I Go,” marked his entry into the top 10, making him the first artist to secure an adult contemporary hit across six consecutive decades.
While the support of his husband and manager, Garry Kief, along with friends and family, has been invaluable, Manilow emphasised the deep reflection that the cancer experience has prompted him to undertake. “This made me stop and think about: Have I done what I wanted to do, and have I made people happy?” he shared, describing how the ordeal has provided clarity and peace regarding his life and career. “The answers are yes. And, as a matter of fact, there are more yeses than I ever thought.”
Despite his journey to recovery, Manilow acknowledges that challenges remain ahead. The future of his distinguished performing career is uncertain as he adapts to life with one less lobe of his left lung, crucial for oxygen distribution in the body. As of now, Manilow is poised to resume his farewell arena tour, which he postponed due to his health crisis.
“This really rocked me,” he confessed, yet he remains optimistic about his recovery. “But I’m getting stronger,” he affirmed, showcasing his resilience as he navigates this new chapter in his life.
Fans of the music icon can look forward to more updates and insight into his life as he prepares for the release of “What a Time.” The article detailing his journey will be available in the latest issue of PEOPLE, which hits newsstands this Friday.
For Barry Manilow, music has always been an essential part of his identity, and now, more than ever, he seems ready to continue sharing his gifts with the world, making the most of every moment.