Barry Manilow, 82, has revealed his battle with stage 1 lung cancer and the ongoing challenges he faces in recovering from the disease. The Grammy-winning singer underwent a lobectomy in December 2025, which removed a lobe from his left lung. While he is now cancer-free, Manilow has expressed frustration over his slow recovery, particularly his struggle to regain the stamina and vocal strength needed for live performances.
Manilow first noticed health issues last November when he experienced two bouts of bronchitis and hip pain. A routine MRI ordered by his doctor revealed a suspicious spot in his lung, leading to a diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock to Manilow, who initially refused to believe he had cancer. He underwent surgery within four weeks of the diagnosis, followed by a week in the ICU. Manilow has since avoided chemotherapy and radiation, which he considers fortunate.
In interviews with People and other outlets, Manilow has spoken candidly about the emotional and physical toll of his illness. He described the recovery process as a 'nightmare' and expressed sadness over his inability to perform at the level he once did. 'My voice is coming back. My energy is coming back. But it’s not there yet,' he told People. Manilow has been working on vocal exercises and breathing techniques to regain his strength, but he admits his body is still not ready for the demands of live performances. He has postponed his farewell arena tour, which was originally scheduled to resume in April.
Despite the challenges, Manilow remains optimistic about his recovery. He has reflected on his life and career, questioning whether he has achieved his goals and made people happy. He has also expressed gratitude for the support of his long-time manager and husband, Garry Kief. Manilow is currently working on his first album in 15 years, which is set for release soon.
Manilow has attributed his cancer diagnosis to his past smoking habits, having smoked cigarettes from age nine to 39 and later vaping. He has emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups, crediting his doctor for catching the cancer early. 'If he hadn’t done that, man... He saved my life,' Manilow said.