'The Legend of Pop' Barry Manilow Diagnosed with Lung Cancer at 82... 'Tour Postponed Until January for Surgery'

Legendary American pop star Barry Manilow (82), beloved for numerous hits such as 'Copacabana' and 'Mandy', has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery. Fortunately, it was discovered early, and the prognosis is reported to be positive.

According to reports from AP and People on the 23rd (local time), Barry Manilow officially announced on the 22nd, "Recently, a cancerous spot was found on my left lung, and I will be undergoing surgery to remove it."

◆ "I Survived Thanks to Bronchitis"... Miraculous Early Detection

The process of discovering Manilow's cancer was truly a 'stroke of luck'. He explained, "I suffered from bronchitis for the past six weeks, and then it recurred for five weeks, causing me distress. The bronchitis has cleared up, but my doctor suggested an MRI just in case, and during that process, a tumor in my lung was discovered." He expressed relief, stating, "Finding it this early is purely due to luck and a great doctor." According to medical staff, the cancer is in the early stage and has not metastasized, making it possible to be cured with surgery alone, without chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

◆ "I Will Rest Eating Chicken Soup"... January Tour Postponed

To undergo surgery and recover, Manilow has reluctantly decided to postpone his U.S. arena tour originally scheduled for January 2026. He apologized to fans, saying, "I am truly sorry for having to change the plans. Everyone was looking forward to the January performances, and it breaks my heart to have to move the schedule." Maintaining his unique sense of humor, he shared his recovery plan, saying, "There will be no chemotherapy or radiation. I will just eat 'chicken soup' and watch reruns of 'I Love Lucy.'"

◆ A Promise for Valentine's Day

As a 'master of the stage', his determination to return is firm. Manilow promised to return to the stage for the Valentine's Day weekend performance at the Westgate Resort in Las Vegas on February 12, stating, "The recovery period will be about a month." The postponed January performances are expected to resume in late February in places like Tampa, Florida.

A wave of support from fans around the world continues for the 'showman' who has been actively performing at the age of 82, wishing for his speedy recovery.