Barry Manilow is looking back on one of the most personal parts of his life and career with honesty. After decades in music, the beloved performer has shared why he believes coming out earlier could have changed the direction of everything he had worked so hard to build.
The singer, who publicly came out in a 2017 PEOPLE cover story, recently reflected on the decision again. According to PEOPLE, Barry Manilow said that coming out during the height of his fame in the 1970s and 1980s “would have killed the career,” so he chose not to discuss it publicly at the time.
Barry Manilow Says His Coming Out Was A “Non-Event”
When asked whether the public looked at him differently after he came out, Manilow gave a surprisingly simple answer. He said it was a “non-event,” adding that people already knew, even though he had never made his sexuality a major public conversation during his earlier years in entertainment.
His words reflect the sharp difference between the industry he came up in and the reaction he eventually received. In 2017, he also admitted that he feared disappointing fans, but instead, many responded with warmth and support when they learned about his longtime relationship with Garry Kief.
His Life With Garry Kief Remains A Source Of Gratitude
Manilow and Kief have been together for more than 47 years, building a life that has remained deeply meaningful to the singer. He privately married his longtime manager and partner in 2014, years before publicly sharing that part of his life with fans. Looking back, Manilow has described himself as very lucky to share his life with Kief, especially as they continue to enjoy ordinary moments together.
In recent years, the singer has also spoken about the burden of keeping his sexuality private for so long. Still, his reflections now carry a sense of peace, especially as he continues recovering after being diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer and undergoing surgery. Through it all, Barry Manilow has remained grateful for a quiet home life with Kief, their two dogs, and the laughter that still keeps their bond strong.