The Full Story: Everything Barry Manilow Has Kept Hidden About His Diagnosis and Heart Condition.

Introduction

Barry Manilow’s Health Journey: Resilience, “Pure Luck,” and the Road to Recovery

Barry Manilow, the legendary showman behind timeless hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” has always maintained that performing is what keeps him “vibrant.” At 82 years old, the Grammy winner remains a force of nature in the music industry. However, even the most dedicated performers must occasionally hit the pause button. On December 22, 2025, Manilow announced he would be rescheduling several dates of his farewell tour, “The Last Concerts Series,” to address a newly discovered health challenge: a cancerous spot on his left lung.

A Fortuitous Discovery

The diagnosis came after a grueling period of illness that began as a persistent case of bronchitis. Manilow revealed that he endured six weeks of the respiratory infection, followed by a five-week relapse. While he had successfully returned to his residency at the Westgate Las Vegas, his medical team remained cautious.

His doctor ordered an MRI to ensure his lungs had fully cleared. It was this proactive measure that led to the discovery of a Stage 1 cancerous spot. In a statement shared with fans, Manilow remained remarkably upbeat, attributing the early detection to “pure luck” and excellent medical care. “They caught it very, very early,” he noted, adding that he currently feels “great” and is experiencing “no symptoms.”

A History of Resilience

This is not the first time Manilow has been candid about his health. For over a decade, the singer has lived with atrial fibrillation (A-fib), an irregular heart rhythm. He first went public with the condition in 2011, vividly describing the sensation as feeling like a “fish flopping around” in his chest.

Despite the frightening nature of a heart condition, Manilow has never let it dim his energy. By managing the condition with medication, he has successfully avoided health “episodes” while on stage, proving that his commitment to his craft transcends physical limitations.

The Road Ahead: Surgery and “Chicken Soup”

While the discovery of cancer is sobering, the treatment plan is straightforward. Manilow is set to undergo surgery to remove the spot. Because it was caught so early, doctors do not believe the cancer has spread, meaning he will not require chemotherapy or radiation.

True to his optimistic spirit, Manilow joked that his post-operative regimen would consist primarily of “chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.” He is already eyeing a return to the stage for Valentine’s Day weekend in Las Vegas, promising fans “one big party” to celebrate his recovery.

The “F Natural” Rule

In a 2025 interview with Billboard, Manilow reflected on his longevity compared to peers like Billy Joel and Rod Stewart. He remains adamant that he isn’t ready to “throw in the towel.” His barometer for retirement is simple and musical: the day he can no longer hit the “F natural” on his 1978 hit “Even Now” is the day he will stop. For now, that day seems far off. With a successful surgery on the horizon and a Stage 1 diagnosis, Barry Manilow is proving once again that he is a survivor, ready to return to the spotlight where he belongs.