Barry Manilow Opens Up About Love, Family, and Health
For over 40 years, the world saw the platinum records and tearful fans screaming his name. Yet behind the scenes, Barry Manilow guarded a private life. Now, the music legend steps forward to share the truth about the man he loves, the daughter they raised, and their granddaughter. He also opens up about a health challenge he is facing.
Early Life and First Love
Born Barry Alan Pincus in 1943, Manilow grew up in Brooklyn, raised by his single mother, Edna. Music became his first passion early on, followed closely by love for his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler. He married her shortly after graduation.
Manilow later explained that, while he loved Susan, he wasn’t ready for marriage. He emphasized that their one-year marriage had nothing to do with confusion about his sexuality. Instead, he focused on building his music career, performing most nights and embracing his youth. Eventually, he settled down—but with someone else.
Private Life and Career
For decades, Manilow delivered timeless hits while keeping his personal life private. When he turned 73 in 2017, he began opening up about his family, sexuality, and life behind the curtain.
He stressed that his sexuality was never truly a secret. Many fans and those in his inner circle already knew, even as he lived quietly with Garry Kief, his longtime partner and manager.
Garry Kief and Barry Manilow attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala at The Beverly Hilton in California, on February 14, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Coming Out and Longtime Love
Manilow publicly acknowledged his four-decade relationship with Kief in 2017. During that time, he even lived with rumored ex-love Linda Allen. Despite this, he remained cautious about revealing his relationship publicly.
The couple married privately in April 2014 at their Palm Springs estate. When news of their marriage and Manilow’s sexuality surfaced in 2015, he called the attention both “a blessing and a curse.” He had worried about disappointing fans but found overwhelming support once the news spread.
“Everybody has always known that Garry and I are a couple—my band, crew, family, and friends. About 90 percent of fans knew too,” Manilow said. He added that revealing an artist’s sexuality is no longer a “major moment” and expressed pride in his life as a gay man with a loving partner.
Family Life
Together, Manilow and Kief raised Kirsten, Kief’s biological daughter, who has grown into an exceptional woman. In 2023, Manilow became a grandfather when Kirsten welcomed a baby girl via adoption. He described the experience as entirely new and joyful.
Reflecting on his past, Manilow noted that interviewers rarely asked about his personal life. “Not one interviewer ever asked me about my personal life. Everyone knew, yet nobody brought it up,” he recalled.
Partner in Life and Business
Garry Kief remains Manilow’s manager and president of Barry Manilow Productions. Manilow described him as “the smartest person I’ve ever met” and praised their decades-long partnership.
Meeting Kief in 1978 changed Manilow’s life. Kief had no idea of Manilow’s fame, which allowed them to connect as equals. Despite the challenges of fame, Kief stayed by Manilow’s side, supporting him through his career and personal life.
Barry Manilow with Kirsten at the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles in 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Marriage and Commitment
When they married, Manilow found the ceremony profoundly emotional. The wedding formalized a partnership that had lasted decades. It also allowed them to review their wills and secure their legal rights. Today, the couple is happier than ever.
Health Challenges
Recently, Manilow faced a health scare. After weeks of bronchitis, an MRI revealed a stage-one lung cancer spot on his left lung. Fortunately, it was detected early, requiring surgery but no chemotherapy or radiation.
“I feel great and have no symptoms,” Manilow said. He expressed gratitude for proactive testing that caught the cancer early.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Manilow continues performing. He recently completed five charity Christmas concerts in Palm Desert and looks forward to Valentine’s weekend shows at Westgate Las Vegas. He also announced rescheduled farewell tour dates in nine cities, including Orlando, Tampa, and Columbus.
By sharing his love life, family, role as a grandfather, and health journey, Barry Manilow is letting fans into his personal world. He also shines a light on Garry Kief, his partner in life and business, proving that love, family, and music remain at the heart of his life.
