Barry Manilow Cancels Concert Months After Lung Cancer Diagnosis, All About His Health Issues
Barry Manilow continues to work towards his passion for music despite his health issues, including stage 1 lung cancer.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleLegendary singer Barry Manilow has recently sparked concern among his fans by abruptly postponing his August 4, 2026, concert. It was scheduled to be held in Lexington, Kentucky, and the announcement of its cancellation came just 41 minutes before showtime. Notably, the veteran singer-songwriter was not in the best of health a few months earlier. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and even underwent surgery. Amid his fans' worries about his health, here's a look at his medical history.
All about Barry Manilow's lung cancer diagnosis and other health issues
Just seven months before Barry Manilow's abrupt concert cancellation, he announced on December 22, 2025, that he was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. The 83-year-old artist shared the news with his fans on Instagram, explaining that a "cancerous spot" was discovered on his left lung. The singer then underwent a successful lobectomy in the same month.
Barry Manilow revealed that his cancer was detected "by pure luck" during an MRI ordered by his doctor. At that time, he went for a check-up to assess his recovery from an 11-week battle with bronchitis, but instead returned with a lung cancer diagnosis. Doctors informed him that it was a Stage 1 tumor and it wouldn't spread to other parts of his body if treated immediately. Barry then underwent the surgery and shared 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 got impacted. All of his arena concerts originally scheduled for January 2026 got postponed. The shows were rescheduled to begin in late February 2026. However, Barry's recent last-minute cancellation of his August 2026 show left his fans worried about his health.
Notably, lung cancer was not the only form of cancer that caused Barry Manilow pain and hampered his music career. Earlier, the singer was diagnosed and treated for throat cancer. Barry often spoke about the physical and emotional toll his throat cancer took on his life and career. He admitted that his voice subsequently changed due to his ailment, and he was terrified, thinking that he would lose his voice completely due to it.
Barry was in a low state at that time, thinking that he would have to bid farewell to something that he had spent his entire life doing, i.e., singing. Post-treatment vocal strain and sprained cords caused the artist a lot of pain. Not just that, Barry even had atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is a form of arrhythmia.
Barry Manilow has reportedly managed this irregular heart rhythm condition for over 15 years with medication and check-ups. Even after such ordeals, he hasn't given up on music and continues to impress his fans with his talent.
Inside Barry Manilow's personal life
Barry Manilow is currently married to his partner, Garry Kief. The couple has been together since 1978 and legally got hitched in April 2014 during a private ceremony at their home in Palm Springs, California. Barry was previously married to Susan Deixler from 1964 to 1966. After his divorce from Susan, Barry changed his sexual preference. He officially came out as gay and married his longtime boyfriend, Garry Kief.
Notably, Barry maintains that his sexuality was not the reason for his first marriage failing. He stated that he "really did love" Susan Deixler 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 second marriage to Garry Kief.
What are your thoughts on Barry Manilow continuing to work towards his passion despite his health issues? Let us know.
Photos courtesy: Barry Manilow/Instagram, Rex Features
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