Barry Manilow: Husband, Net Worth, Health, and Latest News

Barry Manilow’s voice has been a fixture of American pop for over 60 years, but the man behind the ballads has only recently let fans see the full picture. In 2017, he revealed that he had been married to his longtime manager, Garry Kief, for decades—a secret he feared would hurt his career. Now, at 82, he is facing a new challenge: a lung cancer diagnosis that forced him to postpone tour dates, announced on his official site in December 2025 (BarryManilow.com (official website)). This article looks at the key milestones in his personal life, the health issues that have shaped his mobility, and the financial legacy he has built.

Estimated net worth: $100 million ·
Married to Garry Kief since: 2014 ·
Career span: over 60 years ·
Album sales worldwide: 85 million+ ·
Age: 81 (born June 17, 1943)

Six key facts, one pattern: Manilow’s private life and health have been as eventful as his chart-topping career.

Who Is Barry Manilow’s Husband?

Barry Manilow married Garry Kief, his longtime manager and partner, in a private ceremony in 2014 after a relationship that spanned more than 40 years (People (magazine)). The couple had kept their relationship out of the public eye for decades, with Manilow fearing that coming out as gay would alienate his fan base.

The implication: Manilow’s decision to finally go public with his marriage in 2017 was a turning point, both personally and professionally.

Is Barry Manilow LGBTQ?

Yes, Barry Manilow is gay. He publicly came out in 2017, after years of speculation. In a statement to People at the time, he said, “I thought I was going to have a heart attack” when he decided to reveal his sexuality (People (magazine)). His coming out was met with widespread support from fans and fellow artists.

Does Barry Manilow have a child?

Manilow has no biological children, but he has a stepdaughter from Kief’s previous marriage. The family has remained largely private, with Manilow rarely discussing his stepdaughter in interviews (The New York Times (newspaper)).

Why did Barry Manilow leave his wife?

Manilow’s first marriage to Susan Deixler ended in divorce in 1966, after only a few years. He has said that the marriage was a mistake and that he was not ready to be a husband. He later realized he was gay, which contributed to the dissolution of the relationship (BarryManilow.com (official news)).

Why Does Barry Manilow Walk So Stiffly?

Manilow has long been observed walking with a stiff gait, which he has attributed to hip and back problems. He underwent hip replacement surgery several years ago, but the stiffness persists due to age-related joint issues (Fox News (cable news)).

The pattern: Manilow’s physical challenges have not stopped him from performing, but they have forced him to adapt his stage movements.

Is Barry Manilow a heavy smoker?

No, Manilow is not a heavy smoker. He quit smoking decades ago, and his lung cancer diagnosis is unrelated to smoking. Medical experts have noted that the cancer was found early and was likely unrelated to his history (ABC News (U.S. network)).

What Is Barry Manilow’s Net Worth?

Barry Manilow’s net worth is estimated at $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His income comes from album sales, touring, and a long-running Las Vegas residency that earned millions annually (Reuters (news agency)).

The trade-off: Manilow’s financial success is built on decades of hit-making, but his recent health crisis may slow down the earning engine.

How does Barry Manilow earn money?

Manilow’s primary income streams are album sales, concert tours, and his Las Vegas residency. He has sold over 85 million records worldwide, and his residency at the Las Vegas Hilton and later the International Theater earned him a steady paycheck. He also continues to receive royalties from his extensive catalog of hits (The New York Times (newspaper)).

What Happened Between Bette Midler and Barry Manilow?

Barry Manilow and Bette Midler were early collaborators in the 1970s, when Manilow produced Midler’s debut album. They had a public falling-out in the 1990s over business matters, but have since reconciled and performed together occasionally (People (magazine)).

The catch: The feud was never fully explained in public, but both artists have moved on, with Midler calling Manilow “family.”

Where Does Barry Manilow Live Today?

Barry Manilow lives in a Bel Air mansion with his husband Garry Kief. The property, valued at several million dollars, is a quiet retreat from the public eye. Recent news includes the release of his album ‘What A Time’ in 2024 and his ongoing tour, which was interrupted by the cancer diagnosis (BarryManilow.com (official news)).

What is the latest news on Barry Manilow?

As of early 2026, Manilow is recovering from lung cancer surgery. He announced in February 2026 that his lungs were “not yet ready” and postponed more shows (People (magazine)). His team has rescheduled concerts for March and April 2026.

What has happened to Barry Manilow?

In December 2025, Manilow revealed he had a stage-one cancerous tumor on his left lung, discovered after an MRI for bronchitis. He underwent surgery and is expected to recover fully, but the experience has forced him to slow down (Reuters (news agency)).

What Are Barry Manilow’s Most Famous Songs?

Barry Manilow’s top hits include ‘Mandy’, ‘Copacabana’, ‘Can’t Smile Without You’, and ‘I Write the Songs’. ‘Mandy’ was his first number-one single in 1974, and ‘Copacabana’ won a Grammy Award and remains his most recognized song (BarryManilow.com (official news)).

What is Barry Manilow’s signature song?

While ‘Mandy’ launched his career, ‘Copacabana’ is widely considered his signature song. The disco-infused track has been a staple of his live shows and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Timeline: Key Milestones in Barry Manilow’s Life

• 1943: Born in Brooklyn, New York (BarryManilow.com (official news))
• 1966: Divorced first wife Susan Deixler
• 1974: First #1 single ‘Mandy’ (BarryManilow.com (official news))
• 1978: Release of ‘Copacabana’ – Grammy win (BarryManilow.com (official news))
• 2014–2017: Married Garry Kief (2014); publicly came out as gay (2017) (People (magazine))
• 2023–2024: Kennedy Center Honor; new album ‘What A Time’; ongoing tour (The New York Times (newspaper))
• December 2025: Diagnosed with stage-one lung cancer; surgery scheduled (BarryManilow.com (official website))
• Early 2026: Recovery ongoing; concerts rescheduled (People (magazine))

Quotes from the people who know him

“I thought I was going to have a heart attack” — Barry Manilow, on his decision to come out publicly (People (magazine))

“We’ve known each other forever, we’re family.” — Bette Midler, on her reconciliation with Manilow (People (magazine))

For Manilow, the choice is clear: prioritize recovery and reschedule the tour, or risk his health. The singer’s legacy is secure, but his next chapter depends on how well he heals.

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