Barry Manilow has been open with fans about his health, and in December 2025, he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung, People reports. It was fortunate that the cancer had been detected early, and Manilow is recovering well, but he is not ready to get back onto the stage just yet. On Friday, February 20, he shared an important update with his fans.
Barry Manilow Shares Health Update
“Hi everyone. Barry here. Just got back from visiting the surgeon, very depressing visit,” he began his statement on Instagram. He informed fans that he has been using the treadmill three times a day but that he “still couldn’t sing more than three songs in a row.” Manilow informed fans that the surgeon shook his head and told him that he would not be able to do a 90-minute show because his lungs were not ready.
“Your lungs aren’t ready yet,” Manilow recalled the surgeon telling him. “You’re in great shape considering what you’ve been through, but your body isn’t ready. You shouldn’t do the first Arena shows. You won’t make it through.”
Manilow continued, “Deep down, I wanted to go back-but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready.” He has had to reschedule 13 shows but hopes to perform in Las Vegas toward the end of March and the beginning of April. He ended his message with gratitude to his fans for their understanding and assured them he will return to performing when he is cleared to do so.
Manilow has also rescheduled performances from February 12 to February 21 at his Westgate Las Vegas to prioritize his recovery, People reports.
Fans Show Support for Barry Manilow
Despite the disappointment fans feel at not being able to see Manilow perform, comments have been incredibly supportive. “Forever a Fanilow,” a comment reads. “This is the right move Barry! Everyone is supportive and willing to wait! You are loved!” another person wrote.
A third comment reads, “Come back when you are ready, Barry. We’ll still be here for you! Take your time and get well soon. Big love from the UK.” Other reactions include, “Supporting you & loving you always, Barry! Take good, good care of your wonderful self,” and “sending you tons of love. you just heal, sir. the shows will wait.”
Manilow had previously discussed his cancer and how he was thankful for the early detection, as the cancer was Stage One. “Ironically, I feel great and have no symptoms,” he said in a statement, People reports. “I’m thankful that my doctors were proactive and ran tests that typically wouldn’t be done. They caught it very, very early.”
