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

The singer has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his lung and will undergo an operation.

Cancer Caught Early

The 82-year-old singer, known for a string of beloved anthems from "Copacabana" established him as one of pop music’s enduringly popular entertainers, will have an operation to take out a section of lung tissue in an effort to combat the condition, which is at an early phase.

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

“Despite the fact that I was past the infection and returned to the spotlight in Las Vegas, my excellent physician ordered an MRI just to make sure that all was clear.

“The MRI discovered a tumor on my lung that requires removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was caught so early.”

Postponed Performances

He has rescheduled a series of planned shows, but stated he would be returning to perform by Valentine’s Day for his enduring engagement at his Vegas home.

He went on to say: “The physicians do not believe it has metastasized and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. No chemotherapy. No radiotherapy. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.

“I’m counting the days until I rejoin my familiar venue in Las Vegas for our special weekend performances.”

Decades in the Spotlight

Manilow is now in the 16th year of a concert series on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has spent decades in the limelight and publicly identified as gay in 2017, after tying the knot with his longtime partner and manager confidentially in 2014.

The duo were in a clandestine partnership for over 35 years. Last year, Manilow spoke about how crucial Kief had been to him during his ascent to stardom in the 1970s.

“As my career exploded, it was just crazy. And, you know, going back to an empty hotel room, you can land in a lot of problems if you, you know, you’re alone night after night,” he said.

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

“I wish that newcomers today don’t have to go back to those rooms by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was very solitary until I met Garry. And then it was fun.”