Singer Michael Bolton Speaks Out On Brain Cancer Diagnosis

Michael Bolton has shared details about his ongoing struggle with brain cancer in an interview with People magazine, Wednesday. 

The 72-year-old singer was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in December 2023, following emergency surgery to remove a tumor. He underwent a second brain surgery in January 2024.
Bolton revealed he completed radiation and chemotherapy in October 2024, with a recent scan in early April showing no signs of cancer. 

He has chosen not to receive a prognosis, despite glioblastoma’s 90% recurrence rate, and noted that treatments have affected his short-term memory, speech, and mobility. 

“You’re tapping into your strength and determination in ways you never imagined,” he told People. “Giving in isn’t an option. It’s like being thrust into a duel, and that’s when you discover your true resilience.”

Reflecting on his journey, Bolton expressed a deeper appreciation for life, constantly evaluating if he’s making the most of his time. “I want to keep pushing forward,” he said. “There’s still a fight ahead, and I’ve got a song title in mind: ‘Ain’t Going Down Without a Fight.’” His daughter, Holly, 47, shared with People that Bolton was singing minutes after his December 2023 surgery, surprising hospital staff unaware of his identity.

A music icon with a five-decade career, Bolton has earned two Grammy Awards for “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and “When a Man Loves a Woman.” In 2023, he released “Spark of Light,” his first original album in 14 years, followed by the holiday album “Christmas Time.” He also competed on “The Masked Singer” that year.