Barry Manilow has lung cancer, the iconic singer revealed on social media on Monday, adding that he’d have to cancel a slate of upcoming shows to undergo surgery later this month.
The “Copacabana” performer said his doctors caught the cancerous spot on his lung early and don’t believe it’s spread elsewhere, adding that he doesn’t expect he’ll have to undergo more intensive treatment beyond surgery. “Ironically, I feel great and have no symptoms,” Manilow said in a statement. “I’m thankful that my doctors were proactive and ran tests that typically wouldn’t be done. They caught it very, very early.”
In his post on Instagram, Manilow said his doctors caught the cancer after ordering an MRI to check on the singer’s progress for a bout of bronchitis he’d suffered recently. “It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early,” Manilow said. That’s the good news.”
On the flip side, Manilow said he will need a month to recover from surgery, meaning that his January concerts are being rescheduled from February through April. (Manilow shared the complete list of rescheduled date in his Instagram post.
“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans,” Manilow said, confirming that he’d be ok for a collection of Valentine’s Day weekend concerts at the Westgate Las Vegas next Februrary. “Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around… Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party.”
Manilow said those who purchased tickets for the rescheduled January shows will have their tickets honored for the new dates.
“I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Manilow said Monday. “And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom… get tested!”
Original Article on Hollywood Reporter