By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Legendary singer Barry Manilow has given fans a reassuring update from his hospital bed after undergoing surgery for an early‑stage lung cancer diagnosis. The 82‑year‑old “Copacabana” hitmaker shared a selfie on social media with a simple caption that read “Better Today,” showing him smiling and clearly on the mend. His upbeat post has sparked a wave of warm messages from fans thrilled to see him recovering.
Manilow first revealed his diagnosis late last month when doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung following a prolonged bout of bronchitis. He described himself as lucky that the tumor was found so early through an MRI and stressed that physicians do not believe the cancer has spread. In announcing his treatment plan, he said no chemotherapy or radiation was expected to be necessary.
Because of the surgery and recovery time, Manilow rescheduled a string of January arena concerts originally planned for his 2026 tour. Those dates have now been moved into February, March and April. He has also set his sights on returning to the stage beginning with performances over Valentine’s Day weekend at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, where he has a long‑running residency and loyal fan base.
Throughout his message to fans, Manilow struck a warm and optimistic tone, even joking about spending his recovery with chicken soup and reruns of “I Love Lucy.” He encouraged anyone with even mild symptoms to get medical testing, reflecting on how fortunate he was that his cancer was caught early. TheWrap
Supporters are rallying around the music icon, sharing heartfelt comments on his recent post and celebrating the positive news. With his recovery underway and plans to resume performing in 2026, Manilow’s update offers hope to fans who have followed his decades‑long career.
