Michael Bolton is opening up about his battle with brain cancer.
The singer, 72, spoke to People magazine about his diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Bolton was diagnosed in December 2023 after having emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor, and he underwent another brain surgery in January 2024.
Bolton told People, in the interview published April 30, that he finished radiation and chemotherapy treatment in October and his most recent scan was clear in early April. He said he has intentionally not received a prognosis, and People noted that glioblastoma has a roughly 90% recurrence rate. According to People, Bolton’s treatments have impacted his “short-term memory, speech and mobility.”
“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.”
Michael Bolton diagnosed with brain cancer glioblastoma. What is that?
Bolton went on to say that he has a “heightened sense of appreciation” for life amid his cancer battle and is asking himself if he is doing “best that I can do with my time,” adding, “I want to keep going. I feel there’s still a lot to do on the fight side. I got a title for a song: ‘Ain’t Going Down Without a Fight.'”
Michael Bolton wishes for ‘health, happiness’ in 2025, 1 year after brain tumor diagnosis
Bolton’s daughter Holly, 47, also told People that her father was “singing within minutes” while recovering from his surgery in December 2023. “I remember one of the nurses (at the hospital) had no idea who he was, and she’s like, ‘Do you know he sings like this?”
The prolific singer’s body of work spans five decades, and he has won two Grammys for the songs “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and “When a Man Loves a Woman.” In 2023, Bolton released his first new album of original songs in 14 years, “Spark of Light,” which he followed up with the holiday album “Christmas Time.” He was a contestant on “The Masked Singer” earlier that same year.
Michael Bolton reveals he’s recovering from a successful brain tumor removal
Bolton previously shared in January 2024 that he would take a step back from touring after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor. At the time, he said he was “recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family,” adding that he would “be devoting my time and energy to my recovery” over the following months. The announcement came after Bolton rescheduled a show in his home state of Connecticut in December 2023 due to illness.
“It is always the hardest thing for me to ever disappoint my fans or postpone a show, but have no doubt I am working hard to accelerate my recovery and get back to performing soon,” he said. “I am beyond grateful for all the love and support you have so generously shown me through the years.”
In March 2024, Bolton shared in an update that he was “healing well and doing better every day” while “enjoying the company of my daughters and grandkids” at home.
In December, Bolton posted a photo of himself celebrating the holidays with his family. “Sending warm wishes for a holiday season filled with peace, love, and joy,” he wrote. “May the New Year bring health, happiness, and countless moments to cherish. Here’s to fresh starts and beautiful moments in 2025!”
What is glioblastoma?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, glioblastoma is a “devastating” type of cancer that “can result in death in fewer than six months without treatment.” It begins as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord and “grows quickly,” and symptoms can include headaches, decline in brain functions and memory loss, per the Mayo Clinic
The National Brain Tumor Society describes glioblastoma as “one of the most complex, deadly, and treatment-resistant cancers,” with a five-year survival rate of 6.9%. In 2018, Sen. John McCain died from glioblastoma after being diagnosed the previous year.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson
This story has been updated to include additional information.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Bolton cancer: Singer talks diagnosis, details brain surgery
