Barry Manilow, the 82-year-old Grammy-winning singer known for hits like “Copacabana,” has provided a candid update on his health following a lung cancer diagnosis and a severe bout of pneumonia that landed him in intensive care.
ICU Ordeal and Pneumonia Battle
In a teaser for an upcoming interview with Good Morning America, Manilow revealed that after his lung cancer surgery, he spent seven days in the ICU battling an undiagnosed pneumonia. “I didn't know about pneumonia. I was in the ICU for seven days, because they couldn’t grasp this pneumonia that was just about killing me,” he told Chris Connelly.
The singer, who disclosed his lung cancer diagnosis in December 2025, had initially postponed his Las Vegas residency and tour dates to undergo surgery to remove a spot on his left lung. The pneumonia complication extended his recovery time significantly.
Recovery and Reflections
Despite the harrowing experience, Manilow says he is on the mend. “I’m doing good. I’m doing good,” he stated. “It took longer than I thought it was gonna take to get past this lung cancer thing.” He described a February visit to his surgeon as “very depressing,” as the surgeon advised against resuming his postponed concerts despite Manilow’s efforts to prepare, including using a treadmill three times daily.
Speaking to People in March, Manilow called the entire ordeal “a nightmare.” However, he also expressed gratitude for not needing chemotherapy or radiation. “I’m one of the lucky ones; I don’t have to have chemo, radiation and all that stuff,” he said.
The health scare prompted Manilow to reflect on his life and legacy. “This made me stop and think about: Have I done what I wanted to do, and have I made people happy? Have I been a good friend?” he mused. “All of those cornball things that I’ve read for all of my life, I started to think about that, too. It really did stop me in my tracks. And the answers are yes. And as a matter of fact, there are more yeses than I ever thought.”
Career and Future Plans
Manilow’s career spans over six decades, with more than 30 studio albums including the 1978 classic Even Now, which features “Copacabana,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Somewhere in the Night.” Other hits include “Mandy,” “Somewhere Down the Road,” and “Could It Be Magic.”
Despite the setbacks, Manilow’s website lists upcoming tour dates billed as “The Last Concerts,” running from June 2026 through January 2027. Fans remain hopeful that the singer will be well enough to perform.
