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Barry Manilow cancels concert 45 minutes before start amid ongoing lung cancer recovery
By Christina Dugan Ramirez
Published August 05, 2026
Barry Manilow canceled his Kentucky show on Tuesday just 45 minutes before it was scheduled to start.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances tonight’s show in Lexington has been rescheduled," Manilow, who was diagnosed with lung cancer last year, wrote on X ahead of the concert. No other explanation was given.
While some slammed Manilow as "disrespectful" for the late cancellation, others were quick to offer him words of encouragement.
BARRY MANILOW, 82, GIVES UPDATE ON HIS CANCER BATTLE AS HE CANCELS MORE TOUR DATES
Barry Manilow canceled his Kentucky show on Aug. 4 due to "unforeseen circumstances." (Scott Legato/Getty Images)
"Sending hugs x take care and remember you must come first," one user wrote on X.
"I'm so sorry you've had to reschedule tonight's show," another added. "Please look after yourself Barry, sending much love and healing energy from across the pond."
In December, Manilow revealed he had been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer after doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung following a bout of bronchitis.
"As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks," Manilow wrote on Instagram at the time. "Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK. The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It's pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That's the good news."
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The 82-year-old singer was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer last year. (Mat Hayward/Getty Images)
"The bad news is that now that the Christmas A Gift of Love concerts are over I'm going into surgery to have the spot removed," he continued. "The doctors do not believe it has spread and I'm taking tests to confirm the diagnosis. So, that's it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns."
In February, Manilow announced he was rescheduling additional February and March dates on the tour after a "very depressing visit" with his surgeon.
That same month, the "Copacabana" singer detailed a tough conversation he had with his doctor.
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"He said, ‘Barry, you won’t be ready to do a 90-minute show. Your lungs aren’t ready yet,’" Manilow continued.
"You’re in great shape considering what you’ve been through, but your body isn’t ready. You shouldn’t do the first arena shows. You won’t make it through."
Manilow continued, "I had a feeling he’d say that. Deep down… my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready... When I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!"
Manilow has had a slew of cancellations since announcing his cancer diagnosis in December. (Mat Hayward/Getty Images)
In May, Manilow announced that while he had to cancel his "Hits Come Home" residency dates that month at Westgate Resort in Las Vegas, he's "making great progress" with his lung cancer treatment and plans to return to the stage sooner rather than later.
"Good news! I went to the doctor yesterday and he said I’m making great progress and look great! Well of course I do! Thank you very much!" he wrote on X. "All the training and exercising I’ve put in is paying off."
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"He did say, however, that I’m not quite ready for Vegas. That means I won’t be able to return for our May shows at @WestgateVegas. But the good news is he said I will be ready for my June arena shows in the UK. It’s going to be great to see you all in the UK. Westgate Las Vegas is my home away from home… and I’ll see you all in July. In the meantime… come to the UK! We’ll be there in June and hope you will be too! See you then… Barry."
Fox News Digital's Ashley Hume contributed to this post.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/barry-manilow-cancels-concert-45-minutes-before-start-amid-ongoing-lung-cancer-recovery