Iconic Singer Barry Manilow Will Have an Operation for a Lung Cancer Diagnosis.

The singer has disclosed that he received a diagnosis with lung cancer and is set to have an operation.

Cancer Caught Early

The legendary 82-year-old artist, known for a string of high-spirited hits from "I Write the Songs" established him as one of pop music’s cherished entertainers, will have surgery to extract a portion of his lung in an effort to combat the illness, which is in its early stages.

“As my fans are aware, I recently endured six weeks of a severe cough followed by a relapse of another five weeks.

“Even though I was past the infection and performing again in Las Vegas, my attentive medical team ordered an MRI just to be certain that there were no issues.

“The MRI discovered a malignant lesion on my left side that requires removed. It’s incredible chance (and a fantastic physician) that it was caught so early.”

Postponed Performances

He has delayed a string of forthcoming live performances, but suggested he would be on stage again by Valentine’s Day for his long-running engagement in Las Vegas.

He added: “The physicians do not believe it has spread and I’m undergoing further tests to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiotherapy. Just rest and recuperation and I Love Lucy reruns.

“I’m eagerly awaiting until I return to my home away from home at the Westgate Las Vegas for our February love-themed shows.”

Decades in the Spotlight

Manilow is now in the 16th year of a residency on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has enjoyed a career spanning many years in the spotlight and revealed he is gay in 2017, after tying the knot with his longtime partner and manager privately in 2014.

The pair were in a private romance for over 35 years. Recently, Manilow reflected on how important his husband had been to him during his ascent to stardom in the 1970s.

“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just hectic. And, you know, returning to an vacant room, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble if you, you know, you’re by yourself repeatedly,” he said.

“But I met Garry right around when it was blowing up. And I was spared from having to go back to those isolated suites. I had somebody to share sorrows with or to celebrate with.

“I wish that newcomers today don’t have to go back to those rooms by themselves, because you can make poor choices. I never did. But it was pretty lonely until I met Garry. And then it was a shared adventure.”