Barry Manilow has shared new details about his lung cancer diagnosis and recovery. .
The 82-year-old "Copacabana" singer announced his diagnosis in December, stating that the disease was "caught early." He underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his left lung, forcing him to postpone his Las Vegas performances and several planned concerts while he recovered.
However, part of his post-operative recovery included a seven-day stay in intensive care, during which he unknowingly contracted pneumonia.
«"I didn't know anything about pneumonia," the singer told Chris Connelly in an announcement of a new interview for the program. «Good Morning America» . "I spent seven days in intensive care because doctors couldn't diagnose this pneumonia that almost killed me.".
However, Manilow says he is on the mend.
Barry Manilow shared an update on his health after being diagnosed with lung cancer in December (Good Morning America).
«"I'm doing well. I'm doing well," Manilow said when asked about his health. "It took longer than I thought to overcome lung cancer.".
Since the beginning of the year, Manilow has repeatedly announced concert postponements as he continues his recovery. He described a surgical visit in February, before his anticipated return to the stage, as "very depressing." Despite working on the treadmill three times a day in preparation for his upcoming arena shows, the surgeon advised him to hold off on resuming his previously postponed concerts.
In March, in an interview with the magazine People Manilow described the experience as a "nightmare." But he also found some silver lining in the grim situation.
«"I'm lucky; I don't have to go through chemotherapy, radiation, and all that," he said.
All these events forced Manilow to rethink his life.
«"It made me stop and think: did I do what I wanted and did I make people happy? Was I a good friend?" he reflected in an interview. People. «"All these trivial things I've been reading my whole life made me think about this too. It really made me stop.".
«"And the answers to all the questions are yes. And, frankly, there are far more yes answers than I ever imagined.".
The Grammy Award-winning artist's career spans over six decades, during which time he has released over 30 studio albums, including «Even Now» 1978, which featured his best-known hit, "Copacabana," as well as three major singles: "Even Now," "Can't Smile Without You," and "Somewhere in the Night." Manilow's other hits included "Mandy," "Somewhere Down the Road," and "Could It Be Magic.".
His website currently lists tour dates, labeled "Last Concerts," from June to January 2027.