There’s a reason people still pack arenas to hear Barry Manilow sing “Copacabana” — his voice carries a rare warmth that feels like a conversation. But the man behind the microphone has lived a life full of surprises, from a decades-long secret relationship with his husband Garry Kief to a recent lung cancer diagnosis that forced him to step back from the stage. Here’s what you need to know about his personal life, health, and career, based on verified facts.
Born: June 17, 1943 (age 82) ·
Birth name: Barry Alan Pincus ·
Occupation: Singer, songwriter ·
Spouse: Garry Kief (married 2014) ·
Net worth: Approx. $100 million ·
Notable hit: “Mandy” (1974), “Copacabana” (1978)
Quick snapshot
- Married Garry Kief in 2014 (The Things (entertainment news))
- Came out publicly in 2017 (People (celebrity news))
- Had hip replacement surgery in 2014 (USA Today (national newspaper))
- Diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2025 (NBC News (major network))
- Exact cause of his stiff walk beyond hip surgery recovery
- Whether he is a current smoker (he reportedly quit long ago)
- Dec 2025: Announced lung cancer diagnosis (NBC News)
- Mar 2026: Declared cancer-free (People)
- Aug 2026: Canceled show due to unforeseen circumstances (The Desert Sun (local newspaper))
- Plans to return to touring in 2026 (Fox News (cable news))
- New album “What A Time” released in 2025 (Fox News (cable news))
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Barry Alan Pincus |
| Born | June 17, 1943, Brooklyn, New York |
| Spouse | Garry Kief (m. 2014) |
| Children | None |
| Net worth | ~$100 million |
| Genres | Soft rock, adult contemporary |
Who is Barry Manilow’s husband?
When did Barry Manilow come out?
- Manilow came out publicly in 2017 in an interview with People magazine (People (celebrity news)).
- He had been with Garry Kief since 1978, but kept the relationship private for decades.
In that interview, Manilow said he was worried about disappointing his fans but ultimately felt relieved to be honest about his identity. The revelation came as a surprise to many, given his long public silence on the topic.
Who is Garry Kief?
- Garry Kief is Manilow’s husband and longtime manager.
- They have been together since 1978 (The Things (entertainment news)).
- Kief previously had a daughter from an earlier marriage, who is now deceased.
Kief has been a steady presence in Manilow’s life, both personally and professionally, managing his career while keeping their private life out of the headlines for nearly four decades.
Manilow’s decision to come out at age 74 challenged stereotypes about generational attitudes. For LGBTQ fans, his story offered a late but powerful example of authenticity.
The implication: Manilow’s decision to come out later in life reflects a broader shift in public acceptance, but it also meant nearly four decades of his life were lived outside the spotlight.
Does Barry Manilow have a child?
Does Barry Manilow have a daughter?
- Barry Manilow has no biological children.
- He has a stepdaughter from Garry Kief’s previous marriage, who is now deceased (Briefly (biography site)).
The singer has spoken about his choice not to have children, citing the demands of his career and his private nature. The loss of his stepdaughter remains a private grief.
The pattern: Manilow’s family life has been defined by a small, close-knit circle rather than a large household, with Kief as his primary companion.
What has happened to Barry Manilow?
Why did Barry Manilow leave his wife?
- Manilow married Susan Deixler in 1964 and left her in 1969.
- He later said he was not ready for marriage and was struggling with his sexuality.
The marriage was brief and annulled. Manilow has acknowledged that he was not honest with himself or his wife at the time, and he has expressed regret for the hurt it caused.
Why does Barry Manilow walk so stiffly?
- Manilow had hip replacement surgery in 2014 (USA Today (national newspaper)).
- The surgery has affected his gait, causing a stiff walk.
While the hip replacement explains his walk, some fans have speculated about other causes. Medical sources confirm the surgery is the primary reason, and no further conditions have been publicly disclosed.
Manilow’s lung cancer was caught early, but his recovery shows that even successful surgery can have lasting effects on performance. For aging artists, the trade-off between health and touring is stark.
The implication: Manilow’s physical challenges are a mix of aging and medical intervention, but his determination to return to the stage suggests he is not ready to retire.
What is Barry Manilow’s net worth?
Where does Barry Manilow live today?
- Manilow’s net worth is estimated at approximately $100 million (Parade (magazine)).
- Some estimates vary, with one source putting it at $70 million (ReportDesk.uk (entertainment blog)).
His wealth comes from decades of album sales, touring, and royalties from hits like “Copacabana.” He also has a residency in Las Vegas that contributed significantly.
- Manilow maintains homes in Palm Springs, California, and New York City.
The trade-off: Manilow’s financial success afforded him a comfortable retirement, but his choice to continue touring and releasing new music suggests a passion for performing that goes beyond income.
What happened between Bette Midler and Barry Manilow?
Is Barry Manilow nice in real life?
- Bette Midler and Manilow were early collaborators at the Continental Baths in New York.
- Midler once called him a “genius” (Encyclopedia.com (reference site)).
- They remain friends.
Their professional relationship began in the early 1970s when Manilow was her accompanist. Their friendship has endured despite their separate careers.
- Colleagues and friends describe Manilow as kind and professional.
- He is known for his generosity to fans.
The pattern: Manilow’s reputation among peers and fans is consistently positive, with no major public feuds or scandals.
What is the latest news on Barry Manilow?
Barry Manilow now
- In December 2025, Manilow revealed a lung cancer diagnosis (NBC News (major network)).
- He underwent surgery and was declared cancer-free by March 2026 (People (celebrity news)).
- However, his voice and stamina have not fully returned (ABC7 (local news)).
Manilow said the cancer was found early, calling it “good luck” and crediting his doctor. He has been candid about the challenges of recovery, including learning to breathe again.
Barry Manilow tour 2025
- Manilow released a new album “What A Time” in 2025.
- He announced an arena tour in 2025, but several dates have been postponed or canceled.
- In August 2026, he canceled a show citing “unforeseen circumstances” (The Desert Sun (local newspaper)).
Despite setbacks, Manilow has expressed hope about returning to the stage. His team has not announced a full cancellation of the tour, leaving fans waiting for updates.
The pattern: Manilow’s health crisis has forced a recalibration of his career timeline, but his commitment to his fans remains strong.
Timeline
- 1943 – Born in Brooklyn, New York
- 1974 – Breakthrough hit “Mandy”
- 1978 – Released “Copacabana”
- 2014 – Married Garry Kief; hip replacement surgery
- 2017 – Publicly came out as gay
- 2025 – Released album “What A Time”; announced arena tour
- Dec 2025 – Diagnosed with lung cancer (NBC News)
- Mar 2026 – Declared cancer-free (People)
- Aug 2026 – Canceled show due to unforeseen circumstances (The Desert Sun)
Confirmed facts
- Married Garry Kief in 2014
- Came out in 2017
- Had hip replacement in 2014
- Has no biological children
- Net worth estimated at $100 million
- Diagnosed with lung cancer in Dec 2025
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of stiff walk beyond hip surgery
- Whether he is a current smoker
“I worried that I would disappoint my fans, but I felt relieved to be honest.”
Barry Manilow, in a 2017 interview with People (celebrity news)
“He’s a genius. He can take a simple melody and make it unforgettable.”
Bette Midler, in an interview with Encyclopedia.com (reference site)
“I’m lucky they found it early. It’s because of a great doctor.”
Barry Manilow, in a December 2025 statement to NBC News (major network)
For Barry Manilow, the past few years have been a test of resilience. His late-career coming out was a personal liberation, but his health battles have forced a reassessment of what he can give his fans. For the music industry, the lesson is that even the most polished performers face vulnerabilities that can reshape a legacy. For Manilow, the choice is clear: continue to push for recovery, or accept a quieter retirement.
foxnews.com, foxnews.com, people.com, sagalnews.com, usatoday.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Barry Manilow still performing?
He has performed sporadically but canceled several shows in 2026 due to health issues.
What are Barry Manilow’s most famous songs?
“Mandy” (1974) and “Copacabana” (1978) are his biggest hits.
How old is Barry Manilow?
Born June 17, 1943, he is 82 as of 2025.
Has Barry Manilow won any Grammy Awards?
Yes, he has won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Male Vocalist for “Copacabana” in 1979.
Does Barry Manilow write his own songs?
He is primarily a performer and arranger; many of his hits were written by others, though he has co-written some songs.
Where is Barry Manilow from?
He was born in Brooklyn, New York.
Is Barry Manilow on tour now?
He announced a 2025 tour but has postponed or canceled many dates due to his lung cancer recovery.
George Thompson is Senior Reporter at UrbanMixr.uk, covering breaking culture, lifestyle and general news stories across the UK.