Barry Manilow was married to his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, before finding his lasting love in Garry Kief. Read to know about it as the singer announces his cancer diagnosis.
Legendary singer, Barry Manilow, announced on December 22, 2025, that he has been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. The 82-year-old artist shared the news with his fans on Instagram, explaining that a "cancerous spot" was discovered on his left lung. He is scheduled to be operated on in a few days and has informed his well-wishers about his health condition before undergoing the surgery. Due to Barry's treatment and recovery, all his arena concerts, originally scheduled for January 2026, have been postponed. Amid this, let's explore his past with his ex-wife, Susan Deixler, and why they split.
Susan Deixler is most widely recognised as the former wife of legendary singer-songwriter, Barry Manilow. Beyond her past association with Barry, Susan is also known for having built a long-standing reputation as a dedicated community leader in West Marin, California. She served as the Senior Services Manager for West Marin Senior Services (WMSS) for over 30 years. Susan Diexler is also credited with establishing the Senior Swim Program at Heart's Desire Beach and a community food pantry to ensure local seniors have access to fresh, high-protein food. She is often described as a "West Marin Original," and was honoured for her decades of commitment to elder care. She retired from caregiving service in 2024 at the age of 79.
Barry Manilow and Susan Deixler met as students at Eastern District High School in Brooklyn. After meeting as teenagers, they became friends and then high school sweethearts. The pair began dating when they were around 14-15 years old and continued their relationship after graduating in 1961. The former couple was the embodiment of a passionate young love, who decided to get married just three years after their graduation.
Susan Diexler and Barry Manilow tied the knot in 1964 when she was just 19 years old, and he was 20. The couple separated after approximately one year, and their divorce was finalised in 1966. Barry Manilow has consistently mentioned that his marriage to Susan ended because he was not ready to settle down and wanted to focus entirely on his flourishing music career. He described leaving Deixler to pursue a "wondrous musical adventure" and admitted he could not be a "proper husband" because he was away every night making music.
After his divorce from Susan Diexler, Barry Manilow changed his preference for partners. He officially came out as queer and married his longtime partner, Garry Kief, in 2014. However, Barry maintains that his s*xuality was not the reason for his first marriage failing. He stated that he "really did love" Susan Deixler at the time when they were together and even referred to her as the "perfect wife" in his autobiography. Susan and Barry have reportedly stayed amicable following their separation, and she has even expressed happiness for his later marriage to Garry Kief.
Barry Manilow revealed that his cancer was detected "by pure luck" during an MRI ordered by his doctor. At that time, he went to check his recovery from an 11-week battle with bronchitis. Doctors have diagnosed it as a Stage 1 tumor and don't think it has spread. Barry is scheduled to undergo surgery in late December 2025 to remove the "cancerous spot." He mentioned no chemotherapy or radiation was currently planned. The singer stated that his recovery would consist of "chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns."
Due to the mandatory one-month recovery period following surgery, Barry Manilow's upcoming performances have been impacted. All of his arena concerts originally scheduled for January 2026 have been postponed. The shows have been rescheduled to late February through April 2026. Barry intends to return for his residency at the Westgate Las Vegas during Valentine's Day weekend (February 12–15, 2026). Following his diagnosis, he urged his fans and followers to care for their health and get tested even if they have the slightest symptom.
What are your thoughts on Barry Manilow's short-lived marriage to his ex-wife? Let us know.
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