Iconic Singer Barry Manilow to Undergo an Operation for Lung Cancer.

Barry Manilow announced that he was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his lung and will undergo surgery.

Cancer Caught Early

The octogenarian performer, known for a string of beloved anthems from "Mandy" cemented his status as one of pop music’s most beloved showmen, will have surgery to take out a section of lung tissue in an effort to fight off the disease, which is at an early phase.

“For those who have been following, I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a recurrence of another five weeks.

“Despite the fact that I was past the infection and returned to the spotlight in Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor requested an MRI just to ensure that there were no issues.

“The MRI discovered a tumor on my left side that must be removed. It’s incredible chance (and a skilled doctor) that it was caught so early.”

Postponed Performances

He has delayed a number of planned concerts, but indicated he would be on stage again by the February holiday for his long-running residency at his Vegas home.

He went on to say: “The doctors do not believe it has traveled and I’m undergoing further tests to verify their assessment. So, that’s it. No chemotherapy. No radiation. Just chicken soup and classic TV.

“I’m eagerly awaiting until I come back to my home away from home for our Vegas run for our Valentine’s weekend concerts.”

Decades in the Spotlight

Manilow is presently in his 16th year of a concert series at the Westgate Las Vegas. The singer has been in the spotlight and came out as gay in 2017, after marrying his partner of many years, Garry Kief in secret in 2014.

The couple were in a clandestine relationship for in excess of 35 years. Last year, Manilow discussed how crucial Kief had been to him during his ascent to stardom in the 1970s.

“As my career exploded, it was just overwhelming. And, you know, going back to an empty hotel room, you can find yourself in a lot of difficulty if you, you know, you’re alone evening after evening,” he said.

“But I found my partner right around when it was taking off. And I was spared from having to go back to those isolated suites. I had a partner to be vulnerable with or to enjoy success with.

“I wish that aspiring artists don’t have to go back to those hotel rooms by themselves, because you get yourself in trouble. I never did. But it was very solitary until I met Garry. And then it was a shared adventure.”