Joann SchefflerCalifornia music icon Barry Manilow has announced a break from his 2026 tour amid multiple canceled dates and ongoing health concerns following his lung cancer battle. The singer shared with his fans on social media that he felt as if he had been pushing himself a little too hard after 29 shows in the past 68 days.
The news comes directly from the 83-year-old “Mandy” hitmaker himself via Instagram. Manilow states that the break will be brief, praising the audiences at his earlier shows and calling it a fantastic summer. “Now we all need to sit down and shut up. So we’re going to take a break until we return to Westgate Las Vegas on October 8th.”
Barry Manilow Navigating Past Health Challenges
While the announcement came as a bit of a disappointment to the singer’s fans, most are understanding. Last November, Barry Manilow was diagnosed with cancer a second time. The singer admits to being a 30-year smoker with a three-pack-a-day habit since the age of 9, per Standard.co.uk.
Despite a 15-20 year period of abstinence in the 90s, Manilow claims he relapsed and began smoking again during an evening out at a Las Vegas club. According to Oncodaily, in 2020, the singer was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of throat cancer. Fortunately, it was caught at an early stage for a successful cure.
In November, 2025, during a doctor’s visit to address hip pain, Barry Manilow was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. This time, it was stage 1 lung cancer. Because it was caught at an early stage and had not spread, his oncology team confirmed he would not need chemotherapy or radiation. However, due to the surgery and the use of breathing tubes, Barry’s voice was left altered, leaving him to fear for his singing career.
Touring Takes A Toll
Following his recovery, Barry Manilow worked tirelessly to strengthen his voice to get back on the stage doing what he loves the most. However, his determination and drive continue to take a toll on the singer. This has led him to understandably, but unwillingly, cancel and postpone some of his current shows.
While his fans are understanding of Barry’s need to slow down, many can’t help but grow concerned that the California entertainer is pushing himself too hard. Especially following the sad news of another legendary icon, Tennessee queen Dolly Parton’s death on August 25, 2026.
Parton’s fans often expressed concern that the 80-year-old Dolly was also pushing herself beyond her limits amid her health issues. Now Barry’s fans are speaking out with the same concerns, telling the singer to slow down and take it easy.
“Don’t think we could cope with losing another legend this year,” one follower writes.
“I think he’s pushing himself too hard,” another adds.
“Barry, it’s time to slow down. You’ve been ill. We lost one legend yesterday,” one more warns.
“Don’t push yourself too hard. We will always be there for you,” another fan writes.
Fans are looking forward to seeing Barry Manilow on stage again for his anticipated return to Westgate Las Vegas on October 8th.
Joann covers high-profile industry features, investigative entertainment stories, and long-form trending media profiles. She has 15 years of experience in the online news vertical.
