Barry Manilow Reveals Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Pushes Back Farewell Tour
Barry Manilow just dropped some heavy news right before Christmas. The 82-year-old legendary singer announced Monday hes been diagnosed with lung cancer after a routine MRI following weeks of bronchitis.
The good news – they caught it early. The bad news – January tour dates are off while he has surgery.
What Manilow Said
In an Instagram post, Manilow explained the situation pretty plainly. Today reports his statement:
“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks. 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.”
That MRI found a “cancerous spot” on his left lung that needs to be removed.
“Its pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. Thats the good news.”
Whats Happening With Treatment
CBS News confirms doctors don’t believe the cancer has spread. Manilow said in his typical optimistic fashion: “No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”
Surgery is happening soon which means the January dates on his farewell tour are being rescheduled. He just finished five Christmas concerts at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert and was supposed to hit arenas in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia next month.
New Tour Schedule
According to Deadline, all January shows are pushed to late February through April:
– Feb 27: Tampa, Florida
– Shows continue through April 27 in Jacksonville
His Valentine’s weekend concerts at Westgate Las Vegas (February 12-14) are still on. Manilow said he expects to be “ready to take a chance again” by then.
If you had tickets for January dates they should work for the rescheduled shows.
The Farewell Tour Context
Manilow announced his farewell tour back in September 2025 planning to perform final shows in markets across the country and UK. The setlist was supposed to include “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Copacabana” and his famous jingle medley.
At 82, a lung cancer diagnosis during a farewell tour is… rough timing. But early detection makes a massive difference with this disease and Manilow seems genuinely upbeat about the prognosis.
His Message to Fans
Manilow ended his announcement with a push for health awareness: “And, remember, if you have even the slightest symptom… get tested!”
Hes been a longtime smoker according to Deadline. Lung cancer remains the second most common cancer in America, primarily affecting older adults. Early detection through screening is literally life-saving.
The entertainment world is pulling for him.
Get well soon Barry.
