#SHOWBIZ: American singer Michael Bolton opens up about fighting brain cancer
WESTPORT: American music star Michael Bolton recently shared his ongoing battle with brain cancer on Instagram.
The 72-year-old Grammy-winning singer expressed his determination to keep fighting, noting that the experience has given him a "heightened sense of appreciation."
Bolton had previously discussed his condition in an interview with People magazine, published on April 30. He first disclosed his illness publicly in January of last year.
At that time, he revealed that he was recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumour and was taking a "temporary break" from touring.
"You're reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought," Bolton told People.
"Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You're really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess that's the way you find out what you're made of."
Bolton, known for hits like 'How Am I Supposed To Live Without You?' (1989) and 'When A Man Loves A Woman' (1991), was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in December 2023.
According to People, he underwent emergency surgery, during which doctors successfully removed the entire brain tumour.
He then underwent a second brain operation in January 2024 due to an infection.
Bolton has three daughters – Isa, 49; Holly, 47; and Taryn, 45 – from his marriage to Maureen McGuire, which lasted from 1975 to 1990. He also has six grandchildren.
Since completing radiation and chemotherapy treatment in October 2024, Bolton has been undergoing MRIs every two months to monitor for any recurrence of the tumour.
The treatments have affected his short-term memory, speech, and mobility.
To address these issues, he is working with a personal trainer and taking voice lessons, including voice therapy.
He also incorporates daily meditation and plays golf as often as possible.
Bolton's health crisis has brought the reality of mortality into sharp focus, prompting him to reflect on whether he is making the most of his time.
"I want to keep going. I feel there's still a lot to do on the fight side," he said.
"I've even got a title for a song: 'Ain't Going Down Without A Fight'.
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