Barry Manilow has announced he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 82-year-old singer shared the health news in an Instagram statement on Monday, revealing the diagnosis was caught early through routine testing.

Manilow explained that after suffering through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a five-week relapse, his doctor ordered an MRI to ensure everything was clear. The scan unexpectedly discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung that requires surgical removal.

He described the early detection as “pure luck” and credited his wonderful doctor for finding it. The singer emphasized that despite the difficult news, discovering the spot now rather than later is the positive aspect of the situation.

The “bad news,” as Manilow explained, is that his upcoming surgery will force him to pause performances. This means he must step away from his scheduled January concerts while he recovers from the procedure.

He offered a heartfelt apology to fans for the disruption, expressing genuine regret over the change in plans. He noted that everyone involved had been eagerly anticipating the January shows, making the decision to reschedule disappointing but necessary.

The postponed January concerts have been rescheduled and will now take place throughout February, March, and April. Manilow is currently in the midst of his The Last Concerts farewell series, which he recently discussed with Billboard magazine.

The iconic singer, known for timeless hits like Mandy and Copacabana, has sold over 85 million records worldwide during his five-decade career. Despite this health challenge, he continues to look ahead, focusing on recovery and eventually returning to celebrate his legacy with fans.