Barry Manilow Will Have an Operation for Lung Cancer.

Barry Manilow announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer of the lung and will be having an operation.

Spot Found in Initial Phase

The 82-year-old singer, known for a string of high-spirited hits from "I Write the Songs" has made him one of pop music’s cherished showmen, will have an operation to take out a section of lung tissue in an effort to fight off the illness, which is detected early.

“As my fans are aware, I recently endured six weeks of bronchitis followed by a recurrence of another five weeks.

“Even though I was past the infection and back on stage in Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor requested an MRI just to ensure that everything was OK.

“The MRI discovered a malignant lesion on my left side that requires removed. It’s pure luck (and a skilled doctor) that it was discovered so early.”

Postponed Performances

He has rescheduled a string of forthcoming concerts, but indicated he would be back on stage by the February holiday for his long-running engagement in Las Vegas.

He went on to say: “The physicians do not believe it has traveled and I’m taking tests to support their conclusion. So, that’s it. No chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.

“I’m looking forward to until I rejoin my familiar venue for our Vegas run for our Valentine’s weekend concerts.”

Professional and Personal Journey

Manilow is now in the 16th year of a residency on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has spent decades in the limelight and publicly identified as gay in 2017, after marrying his longtime partner and manager privately in 2014.

The couple were in a private partnership for in excess of 35 years. Recently, Manilow spoke about how important his partner had been to him during his ascent to stardom in the 1970s.

“During my rapid rise to fame, it was just hectic. And, you know, coming home to an empty hotel room, you can land in a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re on your own night after night,” he said.

“But I met Garry right around when it was taking off. And I was spared from having to go back to those empty hotel rooms. I had a person to share sorrows with or to enjoy success with.

“I desire that newcomers today don’t have to go back to those rooms by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was very solitary until I met Garry. And then it was a shared adventure.”