“It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that [it] was found so early,” the “Copacabana” singer wrote on social media.

Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis, reschedules 2026 tour dates ahead of surgery

"It's pure luck (and a great doctor) that [it] was found so early," the "Copacabana" singer wrote on social media.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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December 22, 2025 12:28 p.m. ET

Barry Manilow poses backstage at the New York Pops 40th Birthday Gala honoring Barry Manilow at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2023. Credit:

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Barry Manilow is pausing his farewell tour to deal with a serious health issue.

On Monday, the "Copacabana" singer revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is scheduled to undergo surgery. The lengthy statement, shared across the 82-year-old singer's social media pages, also reassured fans that the cancer was "found early."

"As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks," Manilow's message began. "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."

He continued, "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."

Barry Manilow at Clive Davis' and the Recording Academy's pre-Grammy gala at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles in February 2025.

Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty

Manilow went on to explain that in the wake of his diagnosis, as he prepares for treatment and recovery, several upcoming tour dates will need to be rescheduled.

"The bad news is that now that the Christmas A Gift of Love concerts are over, I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed," he explained. "The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis. So, that's it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and* I Love Lucy* reruns."

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Manilow continued, "The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts. 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."

The "Somewhere Down the Road" singer concluded by encouraging fans to also ask their doctors, should they notice any concerning symptoms.

"I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year," he wrote. "And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom…get tested!"

Manilow is next set to perform over Valentine's weekend at the Westgate Las Vegas, starting Feb. 12. As for those rescheduled dates, the singer included details about the changes in his post, noting that the nine stops originally slated for January will now take place from February through April in markets including Orlando and Tampa, as well as Columbus, Ohio.

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In June, Manilow spoke to Billboard about embarking on his the Last Concerts series, which will mark his final performances across the country. Reflecting on his career alongside those of his other '70s era musical peers, Manilow said, "It's like, ‘What? Am I the only one left?' It's Billy Joel, and Elton (John) is not well and Rod (Stewart) and Neil (Diamond). Diana Ross is still in great shape I think. There must be only a handful of people in my world that are still there."

He added at the time, "I'm still healthy. I'm strong and I've still got my voice and my energy. The night I can't hit the F natural on 'Even Now,' that's the night I throw in the towel. But I can still do it."**

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