Iconic Singer Barry Manilow Will Have an Operation for Lung Cancer.

Barry Manilow has revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer of the lung and will be having surgery.

Early-Stage Diagnosis

The octogenarian performer, famous for his series of upbeat chart-toppers from "I Write the Songs" cemented his status as one of pop music’s most beloved performers, will have an operation to take out a section of lung tissue in an effort to combat the disease, which is at an early phase.

“As my fans are aware, I recently endured six weeks of bronchitis followed by a recurrence of another five weeks.

“Even though I was past the infection and performing again at the Westgate Las Vegas, my attentive medical team ordered an MRI just to make sure that there were no issues.

“The MRI discovered a tumor on my left lung that must be removed. It’s pure luck (and a skilled doctor) that it was found so early.”

Postponed Performances

He has delayed a string of planned live performances, but indicated he would be on stage again by the February holiday for his long-running engagement in Las Vegas.

He added: “The medical team do not believe it has traveled and I’m undergoing further tests to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. Chemo is not needed. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just home remedies and favorite shows.

“I’m looking forward to until I come back to my familiar venue for our Vegas run for our special weekend performances.”

Decades in the Spotlight

Manilow is now in the 16th year of a concert series at the Westgate Las Vegas. The singer has enjoyed a career spanning many years in the spotlight and revealed he is gay in 2017, after marrying his manager and long-term partner in secret in 2014.

The duo were in a discreet romance for more than 35 years. Last year, Manilow spoke about how crucial his partner had been to him during his ascent to stardom in the 1970s.

“During my rapid rise to fame, it was just crazy. And, you know, returning to an empty hotel room, you can find yourself in a lot of difficulty if you, you know, you’re on your own repeatedly,” he said.

“But I encountered my future husband right around when it was taking off. And I no longer had to go back to those isolated suites. I had a person to cry with or to enjoy success with.

“I hope that young people don’t have to go back to those hotel rooms by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was fun.”