Barry Manilow reveals early-stage lung cancer journey as new album plans surge
barry manilow is describing how an unexpected early-stage lung cancer diagnosis led to surgery and a hard pause in his schedule, even as he prepares a major return to new music. The 82-year-old singer said doctors found the illness after additional imaging was ordered during a visit initially tied to hip issues and a recent six-week bout of bronchitis. The updates arrive as he readies a new studio release, placing health, recovery, and career momentum in the same urgent frame.
Health discovery, surgery, and the immediate fallout
Manilow said he had no symptoms before doctors discovered what was later confirmed as stage 1 lung cancer. He explained that after his physician learned he had recently dealt with six weeks of bronchitis, an MRI was ordered not only for his pelvis but also for his lungs. That additional step led to the discovery of a small “dot” in his left lung, and subsequent tests established it was cancer.
He described the diagnosis as shocking, recalling disbelief and emphasizing that the absence of symptoms made it difficult to know how long the cancer may have been developing. He said it could have been present for years, and noted his relief that it had not spread.
Four weeks after the diagnosis, Manilow underwent a lung lobectomy. He described the procedure as invasive and said he was grateful he did not remember the surgery itself or the seven days he spent in the hospital. He also said he felt lucky that he did not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation.
The health setback had near-term professional consequences: he postponed his Las Vegas residency in February to focus on recovery.
Barry Manilow’s new album: “What a Time, ” a major release after a long gap
Alongside the health revelations, Manilow is set to release a new studio album, What a Time, on June 5 (ET). The project is described as his first album of mostly new material in nearly 15 years, and it is identified as his 33rd studio album.
The album is primarily produced by Manilow and his longtime collaborator Michael Lloyd. It includes 13 tracks, with Manilow writing or co-writing all but two. He collaborated with multiple songwriters across the track list, including Gary Barlow, John Bettis, Bruce Sussman, Enoch Anderson, and Adrienne Anderson. The album also includes “Once Before I Go, ” co-written by Dean Pitchford and the late Peter Allen, and executive-produced by Clive Davis.
Manilow has released “Sun Shine, ” a single described as carrying retro touches including a whistling break and the sound of a needle dropping onto a vinyl record. The song was written by Manilow and Gary Barlow and produced by Manilow, David Benson, and Greg Bartheld. The music video, directed by Laís Sambugaro, does not feature Manilow and instead focuses on a young couple getting ready for the day.
Additional production credits on the album include Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Dave Cobb. Guest performers include saxophonist Dave Koz on “Look at Me Now” and vocalist Sharon “Muffy” Hendrix on “When Somebody Says Goodbye. ” The release is being issued through Manilow’s STILETTO Entertainment and distributed by The Orchard.
Immediate reactions in his own words
Manilow underscored how close the discovery felt in hindsight, pointing to the decision to image his lungs as pivotal. “If he hadn’t done that, man… He saved my life, ” he said, referring to the doctor who ordered the expanded MRI.
He also recalled how the diagnosis landed emotionally: he said he felt disbelief because he had no symptoms or pain, and he remembered thinking, “Not me. F— you. I can’t have cancer. ”
Looking back after surgery, he called the experience “a nightmare, ” while stressing his gratitude that he avoided chemotherapy and radiation. He said the diagnosis made him reflect on the fragility of life.
What’s next
Manilow’s next major milestone is the planned June 5 (ET) release of What a Time, arriving after a period he has described as marked by serious health strain and recovery. With his postponed residency already tied to his recuperation, the coming weeks will center on how barry manilow balances continued recovery with the rollout of new music and the professional commitments that typically follow a studio album release.
