Singer and songwriter Michael Bolton announced on Friday that he was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and will be taking a break from the stage while he recovers.
“Just before the holidays, it was discovered that I had a brain tumor, which required immediate surgery. Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success,” the singer, 70, wrote on Facebook. “I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”
The Grammy winner also told fans he will be “devoting” the “next couple of months” to his recovery and taking a “temporary break” from touring.
“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,” wrote Bolton, thanking his fans for their “love and support” through the years.
“Know that I’m keeping your positive messages in my heart, and I’ll give you more updates as soon as I can,” he concluded, signing his note, “Much love always, MB.”
“We were basically observing our friends and family and seeing that they all really needed some light, that it was so dark and oppressive and basically we were all just carrying layers of fear to our every day,” he said of finding inspiration through the pandemic. “And so we started to feel a sense of responsibility to deliver hope and promise and all these feelings that seem to be so elusive, and it started to become a feel-good record.”
Michael Bolton has written songs for many other artists, such as Kenny G, Kanye West, Barbara Streisand, and KISS. He has also collaborated with legendary musicians like Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti, and Lady Gaga. He has won two Grammy Awards and six American Music Awards, and has sold more than 65 million albums and singles worldwide. Bolton has sold more than 75 million records. He started his career in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, but later switched to pop rock ballads. Some of his most popular songs include “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You”, “Said I Loved You…But I Lied”, and “How Can We Be Lovers”.
After decades in the industry, Bolton also said he found the most joy in his family life. (He’s dad to daughters Isa, Holly and Taryn — whom he shares with ex-wife Maureen — and a grandpa to six grandchildren.)
“I’m filled with more love and pride in my girls as they raise their own families,” he said. “The people I love bring me a lot of happiness… The important things never really change. Love is the most important thing, the center of the universe. There’s nothing greater.”
