The beloved singer Barry Manilow, known for hits like ‘Copacabana’, has revealed he has been diagnosed with lung cancer at 82 years old.
Manilow broke the news on Instagram, stating that the diagnosis came after he suffered from bronchitis.
In his heartfelt message, he wrote: “We just finished five great Christmas concerts at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. This marks the seventh time we have done these charity concerts and raised millions for nonprofit organizations throughout the Coachella Valley. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and celebrated these wonderful charities.
“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks.
“Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK. The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That’s the good news.”
He balanced the ‘good news’ with some ‘bad news’, explaining that with his ‘Christmas A Gift of Love concerts’ concluded, he will be undergoing surgery to remove the spot.
“The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis,” his post continued. “So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.
“The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts. The new schedule is listed below. I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans.
“Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around.”
More updates to come.