Photo: Getty Images
Barry Manilow is sharing a health update with fans after being forced to postpone upcoming shows.
On Monday (December 22), the "Mandy" singer, 82, shared a statement on Instagram revealing that doctors found a cancerous spot on his lung after he underwent testing following a resurgence of bronchitis.
"As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks. Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK," he 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. That's the good news."
Manilow added that his doctors don't believe the cancer has spread and that they'll confirm diagnosis with additional testing. He will soon have surgery to remove the spot but won't require chemotherapy or radiation, "just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns" and a month to recover.
The "bad news," he said, is that procedure and recovery time will impact his upcoming arena concerts scheduled for January. While apologizing to fans who "have to change your plans," he shared the new schedule for the postponed dates, which will kick off at the end of February. He also plans to "return to my home away from home" at the Westgate Las Vegas for a set of shows on Valentine's Day weekend that he believes "is going to be one big party!"
Manilow shared holiday well-wishes to his followers and encouraged anyone who may be experiencing health issues to follow-up with a doctor.
"I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year," he said. "And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom... get tested!"
See his full statement below.