**Barry Manilow Discusses Love, Resilience, and Upcoming Album Amid Health Challenges**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Barry-Manilow_husband-f77d821ebfad49f48b15af882d714096.jpg)
Pop music legend Barry Manilow is set to unveil his latest album, titled *What a Time*, on June 5. The announcement comes as the singer opens up about his deeply personal life with his husband, Garry Kief, who has been a vital support system as Manilow navigates a recent health scare.
Manilow, now 82 years old, and Kief met in 1978 and have been inseparable for over 47 years. They tied the knot in 2014, three years before Manilow publicly acknowledged his sexuality in a cover story for *People* magazine. Reflecting on their enduring love, Manilow expressed, “I’m a very lucky guy that he has chosen to share his life with me.” Kief, a former ABC TV executive, transitioned to manage Manilow’s career shortly after their initial meeting.
The singer praised Kief, calling him “a magnificent human being and the kindest person,” while acknowledging that his husband has chosen to remain in the background, allowing Manilow to take centre stage. “Everybody knows that he is as smart as they come,” Manilow added, highlighting the depth of their relationship.
In November, Manilow faced a significant health challenge after being diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. He underwent a lobectomy in December, successfully removing the affected portion of his left lung. The recovery process has prompted Manilow to reflect on his life and the joys it encompasses, particularly his time with Kief, their five-year-old granddaughter, and their two beloved Labrador retrievers.
“We still laugh, and we don’t get bored with each other. It’s a great life,” he stated, describing their peaceful existence together. “Two guys in a house on a hill with two dogs that we love — that’s us. I’m very grateful.”
As he recuperates, Manilow’s path for future performances remains somewhat uncertain. The surgery impacted his lung capacity, and as he learns to breathe more easily, he remains hopeful about returning to the stage for a postponed farewell arena tour this coming April. Throughout the recovery phase, Kief has stood steadfastly by his side.
“We cheer each other on,” Manilow remarked. “He goes on the road with me. He doesn’t want to be without me, and I’m very grateful that he still wants to go on the road with me because it’s much better being home. And he needs to go on the road — he’s in charge of all of that, too.”
Kief’s grounding presence has been pivotal for Manilow, especially during the tumultuous early years of his fame. The singer recollected how his life transformed dramatically upon achieving success, which left him feeling overwhelmed. “When my life exploded into a million pieces, it took me a long time to pull it all back together again,” he reflected. “I felt like it was getting bigger and bigger, and I was getting more and more frightened about fame.”
The impact of Kief on his life cannot be overstated, as Manilow shared how the partnership helped him regain stability during chaotic times. “Having somebody like that grounds you. Suddenly I wasn’t all alone in this crazy world,” he explained. “When you have a partner that you can go and cry to or yell at or celebrate with, that makes everything different. It makes the failures easier to take.”
Manilow’s vulnerability in discussing personal challenges and health issues underpins a broader appreciation of life and relationships, underscoring the significance of support systems in times of adversity.
Fans looking forward to discovering more about Barry Manilow’s journey and his latest musical endeavour will have the opportunity to delve into these insights in the upcoming issue of *People*, available on newsstands from Friday. As he continues to navigate his health and career, Manilow remains a resilient figure, embodying the power of love and companionship amid life’s uncertainties.