“The Sister I Never Had”: Barry Manilow Opens Up About His Deeply Personal Bond with Suzanne Somers.

Introduction

The bond between music legend Barry Manilow and the late Suzanne Somers was far deeper than the typical Hollywood friendship. Following the news of her passing on October 15, 2023, Manilow shared an exclusive, heart-wrenching tribute with PEOPLE, reflecting on a relationship that spanned more than four decades and transcended the glitz of show business.

A Bond Like No Other: “The Sister I Never Had”

To the world, Suzanne Somers was the comedic genius of Three’s Company and Step by Step, but to Barry Manilow, she was family. At 80, the “Copacabana” singer described her as a pillar of strength and a lifelong confidant.

“Suzanne and I were friends for decades,” Manilow shared. “She was the sister I never had and my close confidant forever. We shared triumphs and heartaches. Her fame in so many fields overshadowed her real talent as one of our greatest comedic actors, a loving mother, an amazing homemaker, and one of the world’s best cooks.”

Somers passed away peacefully at her home, just one day shy of her 77th birthday, following a courageous 23-year battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer. For Manilow, the loss is profound, yet he expressed a sense of relief that his dear friend is finally at rest: “I will miss her dearly and hope that she is now out of pain and at peace.”

“The Other One”: A Meeting of Misfits

The pair’s friendship began 35 years prior in a recording studio, rooted in a shared sense of humor regarding their public personas. In a 2017 interview, Somers recalled the exact moment they clicked. At the height of their fame, both were frequent targets of late-night jokes—Somers for her “chicken suit” portrayal of Chrissy Snow and Manilow for his ruffled “rhumba” shirts.

When they first met, Manilow didn’t offer a traditional greeting. Instead, he looked at her and said, “Oh, you’re the other one they make fun of.” Somers immediately replied, “I know—it’s always you and me.” That shared vulnerability created an instant safe haven where both could let their guards down and simply be themselves.

Life as Neighbors and Family

Beyond the industry events, the two were longtime neighbors in Palm Springs, where their lives intertwined in the most “normal” of ways. Somers frequently praised Manilow’s character, describing him as a man of extraordinary kindness and simple pleasures.

• Thanksgiving Traditions: Manilow was a staple at the Somers-Hamel Thanksgiving table for decades.

• The Gift of Eggs: Rather than traditional wine, Manilow—who raises chickens—would often bring fresh eggs as a dinner gift.

• Quiet Moments: Suzanne often spoke of Barry’s routine of watching the sunrise and walking his dogs, famously joking, “In my next life, I want to come back as Barry Manilow’s dog!”

While Manilow is known as a perfectionist artist who rarely “performs” at casual dinner parties, Somers saw the man behind the music—a thoughtful, generous, and evolved human being.

Celebrating an Extraordinary Life

Though Somers’ family had gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday, they instead spent the day honoring her legacy. Surrounded by her husband, Alan Hamel, and her son, Bruce, she was remembered not just for her fame, but for the light she brought to those in her inner circle. For Barry Manilow, that light remains irreplaceable.