Barry Manilow is alive, but the legendary singer is facing a difficult health battle that has forced him to slow down and rethink his touring plans.
Rumors circulating online recently questioned the 82-year-old icon’s health, but the truth is far less dramatic. Manilow himself shared that he had a sobering consultation with his surgeon after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous spot from his lung. The recovery process has proven more challenging than he initially expected.
As a result, Manilow has postponed the opening leg of his Once Before I Go arena tour, which had been scheduled to run from February 27 through March 17. The singer revealed that despite pushing himself with daily treadmill workouts, he still struggles to perform more than a few songs in a row without needing a break.
According to Manilow, his medical team delivered a clear warning: attempting a full 90-minute concert too soon could harm his recovery. The advice forced the performer to put his health first, even though the decision meant disappointing fans who had been looking forward to the shows.
The postponement is significant because arena tours demand intense physical stamina. Traveling between cities and performing lengthy concerts night after night can be exhausting even for younger performers. For Manilow, whose career spans more than five decades, the focus now is on regaining strength before returning to the stage.
Despite the setback, there is optimism that he will be able to resume some performances soon. Manilow said doctors believe he may be ready to return to his Las Vegas residency later in the spring, with several shows potentially scheduled for late March and early April.
The singer first revealed his cancer diagnosis in December 2025, when doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung during an MRI scan. At the time, he told fans the tumor appeared to be contained and that doctors were hopeful it had not spread.
For now, Manilow remains determined to recover and eventually return to performing. In a message to fans, he apologized for postponing the shows but promised that when he does return, he plans to come back stronger than ever.
