Barry Manilow's January arena concerts are being rescheduled due to a health update that has the 82-year-old crooner on the mend. The beloved singer shared a heartfelt message on social media on Monday, where he revealed his diagnosis of lung cancer.
"As many of you know, I recently endured six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks," he wrote. "Even though I had overcome the bronchitis and was back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my incredible doctor ordered an MRI just to be sure everything was in order. The MRI revealed a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed."
Manilow credited "pure luck (and a fantastic doctor)" for the early detection and shared that he will soon be undergoing surgery, now that his "Christmas A Gift of Love" concerts are in the rearview mirror.
According to a press release, Manilow will undergo surgery in late December, followed by a month of recovery as prescribed by the doctors. "The doctors don't believe it has spread, and I'm taking tests to confirm their diagnosis," he added. "So, that's it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns."
Regarding the need to reschedule his January concerts while he recovers, Manilow expressed his sincere apologies. "I'm very sorry that you have to change your plans," he wrote. "Just like you, we were all eagerly anticipating the January shows and hate having to move everything around."
Manilow wished his followers a joyous holiday and encouraged them to get checked out "if you have even the slightest symptom." The post also included the new concert dates, which will be held from February through April.
