Michael Bolton speaks out about aggressive brain cancer diagnosis for first time and insists he ‘wants to keep going’
MICHAEL Bolton has spoken about his aggressive brain cancer diagnosis for the first time, and insisted he ‘wants to keep going.’
The How Am I Supposed to Live Without You singer revealed in January last year that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and had undergone emergency surgery.
And now the star, who has sold over 75 million records worldwide, has since been focusing on his recovery.
He was diagnosed with glioblastoma in December 2023.
This brain tumor was removed in its entirety, but he then had a second brain surgery in 2024 due to an infection.
Michael now undergoes MRIs every two months to make sure it doesn’t return, and his most recent scan, which took place in early April, was clear.
The star has now discussed his path forward, saying: “You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought.”
He continued to tell PEOPLE in this week’s cover story: “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.
“Whenever you find yourself in any kind of challenging position, just to know that you’re not alone going through it is a big deal.
“It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone.”
The star, who has purposely not been given a prognosis, went on: “I find comfort in general more easily. [The whole experience] gives me a heightened sense of appreciation. It’s unthinkable for it to be okay not to make the most of your life.
“I think we develop capabilities and problem management, and we learn how to make the best out of a bad situation. You have to be a cheerleader for yourself.
“How do I give things that they can take forward? Life lessons, love, any kind of validation that I can give [them] — I want to be on the right side of that so they feel great about who they are.
“It’s a reality of mortality. Suddenly a new light has gone on that raises questions, including ‘Am I doing the best that I can do with my time?’ ”
“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 revealed his brain tumor in January 2024.
He wrote on Facebook at the time: “I want to start by wishing everyone a very happy and healthy new year!
“I also want to share that 2023 ended up presenting me with some very unexpected challenges.
“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. I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”
He made a name for himself with the ballad How Am I Supposed To Live Without You, which was released in 1990 and peaked at No4 in the UK charts.
It came after Bolton had fans concerned after his performance during the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade.
Viewers were left wondering about the state of thesinger’s health as at least one viewer thought he appeared to be “in pain.”
Bolton originally sang heavy metal songs from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s – both on his early solo albums and those he recorded as the frontman of the band Blackjack.
But in the late 80s, he made the switch to power ballads becoming known instead for his powerful love songs.
During his career, Bolton has won six American Music Awards, two Grammy Awards, sold more than 75 million records, has had eight top 10 albums, and two number-one singles on the Billboard charts.
Bolton went viral in 2011 when he appeared in The Lonely Island video, Jack Sparrow, which has garnered more than 200 million views.
He has co-hosted ABC’s Celebrity Dating Game, where he sang parodies of love songs that contained clues to determine who the celebrity identities were.
Over the years he has pursued acting and appeared in the shows Meet Wally Sparks, Two and a Half Men, and was a contestant on season 11 of Dancing with the Stars.
Bolton was also a director for the documentary, American Dream: Detroit, which highlights the economic comeback of Detroit.
However, despite his success, Bolton’s finances took a hit in 1992 when he was sued by the R&B band the Isley Brothers, who claimed Bolton stole their song with his release of Love is a Wonderful Thing.
Bolton was married to Maureen McGuire, from 1975 to 1990 and they had three daughters, Isa, Holly, and Taryn.
He is believed to have six grandchildren.