Barry Manilow's amazing career spans decades, going back to the 1970s. The beloved hitmaker has recorded so many classic songs like "Mandy," "Copacabana," and "Somewhere Down the Road." Manilow, who will be 83 years old on June 17, has been sidelined for a while since he was diagnosed with lung cancer late last year. His devoted "fanilows" miss him and are hoping for a full and speedy recovery. Per USA Today, it has been a tough road back for the singer. Manilow endured "the harrowing aftermath of surgery in January - a collapsed lung, pneumonia and a week in the ICU - and the very real thoughts of death."
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He has concerts coming up this month, a residency in Las Vegas, plus more shows that were put off from last year. Barry Manilow also dropped a new LP, What a Time. But so much depends on the state of his health. The singer talked with the outlet about the physical and emotional ups and downs he has faced recently.
Manilow Is Making Gradual, Steady Progress
He said of his lung cancer journey, "I came out of surgery in January, and then my lung collapsed, so I went back into the hospital. The real healing started in February. I push myself every day; singing in my studio, trying to get stronger. Some days I feel fine, and the next day I can't even talk. But I'm getting close. I'm not sure I can do 90 minutes yet, but I'm close."
The Ordeal Has Taken a Toll on His Body
His road back to health has not been linear. One setback was getting pneumonia. That put Barry Manilow in the ICU and made him lose significant weight as well. He shared, "When I came out of surgery, I had pneumonia - that's what nearly got me. I was in ICU, and when I got out, I was a mess. I weighed 128 pounds. I had to rebuild myself completely."
However, the massive support and affection he got from fans has really buoyed him. "The response from people was overwhelming," Manilow said. "Strangers from all over the world were rooting for me. I didn't even know they were out there. It just kept coming, all these messages. It was a very deep experience for me."
What Manilow Went Through Made Him Reflect on His Life and Legacy
Barry Manilow says he found himself thinking about who he is as a person and an artist because of his serious health situation. All in all, he seems satisfied with the individual he is and what he has accomplished. Per the outlet, he said, "I'm very happy the way my life has turned out. And this hospital thing really opened my eyes. Nobody thinks about that they're going to die. But there were a couple of nights there that I said, 'Whoa, have I done everything I've wanted to do? Have I been good to people?'"
Furthermore, he added, "It's the same old story that you think of when you get that close. And I was right there. I was inside that. Did I do everything I wanted to do? Have I been good to my friends and my family? It kept on going. I hope we all think like that if we're at the edge of the door. And I was there. I think I'm proud of the man I've become. And I felt OK when I left the hospital, but it was a trip."
