Barry Manilow Shares Positive Update After Lung Surgery

Barry Manilow, the 82-year-old Grammy-winning singer known for hits like "Copacabana," shared a positive health update on Friday, January 2, after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous spot from his left lung. The veteran performer posted a smiling selfie from his hospital bed on Instagram, captioning it "Better today!" following his late December diagnosis announcement.

Manilow first revealed the diagnosis on December 22, explaining that it stemmed from routine medical checks after a prolonged bout of bronchitis. He had endured six weeks of the illness followed by a five-week relapse, yet returned to the stage at Westgate Las Vegas. His doctor ordered an MRI to ensure all was well, which uncovered the early-stage cancer. "It's pure luck and a great doctor that it was found so early. That's the good news," Manilow wrote in his initial post. Doctors indicated the cancer had not spread, and further tests confirmed the diagnosis. He underwent surgery shortly after completing his annual Christmas concerts, avoiding the need for chemotherapy or radiation. "So, that's it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns," he added lightheartedly.