Barry Manilow, the singer-songwriter known for hits like Copacabana, Mandy, and I Write the Songs, announced on December 22, 2025, that he has been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. The 82-year-old revealed that doctors discovered a “cancerous spot” on his left lung and that he will undergo surgery later this month to have it removed.

Manilow made the announcement in a message shared with fans on social media, explaining how the discovery came about. After experiencing a prolonged bout of bronchitis, his doctor ordered an MRI as a precaution. Manilow wrote that the scan revealed the spot, and he described the early detection as a stroke of good fortune.

In his statement, Manilow said, “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.” He added that medical professionals do not believe the cancer has spread, and he does not expect to need chemotherapy or radiation treatment. “So, that’s it,” he said, “No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

The surgery is scheduled for late December, and Manilow said he plans to take roughly a month to recover. Because of the procedure and recovery period, he has rescheduled ten concerts originally planned for January 2026. The tour legs in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio will now take place between February and April. Manilow expects to return to the stage beginning Valentine’s weekend with performances at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, followed by additional dates at arena venues, including in Tampa, Florida.

Manilow expressed appreciation for the support of his fans and his medical team. In his message, he encouraged people to pay close attention to their health and seek medical advice if they notice persistent symptoms.

Over his decades-long career, Manilow has sold millions of records and maintained a devoted fanbase. His upcoming performances were part of what he described as farewell shows, making the rescheduling a significant moment for longtime followers. Despite the health challenge, Manilow said he looks forward to celebrating music and life with fans once he has recovered.