Barry Manilow, the 82-year-old singer-songwriter known for hits like “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” announced on December 22, that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his left lung. The announcement came in an Instagram post in which Manilow said the spot was discovered after a series of health issues earlier this year led his doctor to order an MRI.
Manilow said that because of the upcoming surgery and recovery time, he is postponing a series of January 2026 arena concerts that were part of his ongoing farewell tour. He also shared updated plans for rescheduled dates starting in late February and continuing through April, and said he hopes to return to the stage for Valentine’s Day weekend shows in Las Vegas.
Barry Manilow has been diagnosed with lung cancer
The lung cancer diagnosis came after Manilow battled bronchitis for about 11 weeks during his performance residency in Palm Springs and Las Vegas. Although he returned to the stage, his doctor recommended the precautionary MRI that revealed the abnormality in his left lung. In his social media message, Manilow said doctors do not believe the cancer has spread and that he is undergoing additional tests to confirm their findings.
Manilow also noted in his announcement that he will not require chemotherapy or radiation as part of his treatment plan, focusing instead on surgery and a recovery period expected to take about a month. He closed his statement with a note to fans expressing sorrow for the schedule changes and encouragement to seek medical evaluation when symptoms arise.
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Barry Manilow’s career has spanned more than six decades, with chart-topping singles, Grammy Awards, and a long-running residency in Las Vegas where he has performed hundreds of shows. In addition to his signature songwriting and recording work, he has appeared in film, television, and Broadway productions throughout his career. His music has remained popular across multiple generations of listeners.
In recent years, Manilow has referred to his current tour as his farewell tour, with planned appearances across the U.S. and abroad. He has spoken publicly about his vocal health and performance energy, maintaining that he planned to continue performing while possible. With the recent diagnosis and planned surgery, his return to the stage later in 2026 is now the focus of both his schedule and his recovery process.
