Introduction

Barry Manilow Reveals Why He Kept His Marriage—and His Sexuality—Secret for Decades

For most of his legendary career, Barry Manilow has remained guarded about his personal life, choosing to let his music, not his relationships, define him. But in a rare moment of openness, the superstar revealed something that even many longtime fans never knew: he was secretly married three years ago, and the truth behind his silence goes far deeper than anyone realized.

At 73, Manilow finally felt ready to share what he had kept private for most of his life. In a candid interview with People magazine, he admitted that he had long feared disappointing his fans if they knew he was gay. “I thought I would be disappointing fans if they knew,” he explained, acknowledging the enormous pressure he carried while navigating fame, expectations, and his own identity. While his sexuality had been something of an open secret within certain circles in the industry, Manilow’s coming out still surprised many who admired him for decades.

One of the biggest revelations was his relationship with his longtime manager, Garry Kief. Rumors had followed them quietly for years, but Manilow has now confirmed that they have been partners for over four decades. Their relationship, steadfast and private, culminated in a quiet wedding ceremony at Manilow’s Palm Springs home in 2014. The event was so discreet that even many close associates were unaware it had happened.

Manilow also reflected on the ways he attempted to keep his personal life hidden in earlier years. To maintain the illusion of a traditional public image, he occasionally appeared in public with women and even lived with television producer Linda Allen. Fewer people know that he was once married to a woman: at age 21, he wed his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler. The marriage lasted just a year before being annulled, with reports suggesting it had never been consummated. Even then, Manilow said he believed the pressures of the music world and expectations of the times shaped many of the choices he made.

Today, however, the music icon says he has never been happier. One of the most emotional moments of his recent revelations came when he discussed the reaction from fans. According to People magazine, Manilow was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support—not just online, but from fans who approached him in person to express their happiness for him. Instead of disappointment, he found acceptance.

After decades of quiet secrecy, Manilow has finally arrived at a place of peace, supported by the fans he once feared he might lose. And with the truth now fully in the open, the man behind some of music’s most enduring hits is embracing the freedom to live authentically.

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