Singer Michael Bolton Opens Up about His Aggressive Brain Cancer Diagnosis
Michael Bolton’s diagnosis came after emergency surgery, where they were able to remove a brain tumor. His daughters, Holly, 47, Isa, 49, and Taryn, 45, were relieved when he woke up from the surgery. “He was in recovery in the hospital room singing within minutes,” Holly shared. One of the nurses didn’t know who he was and asked, “Do you know he sings like this?”
Michael Bolton’s Daughters Have Walked Alongside Him
Since that day in December of 2023, Michael Bolton’s daughters have walked alongside their father through his glioblastoma diagnosis.
“You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought,” Michael shares. “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 Has MRIs Every Two Months
The 72-year-old’s short-term memory, speech, and mobility have been impacted by his treatment. Michael did have a second surgery in January of 2024 because of an infection. He finished radiation and chemotherapy in October of 2024, and now has MRIs every two months to make sure the tumor has not come back.
Michael’s most recent scan in April was clear. The path forward is to monitor, as the recurrence rate for this type of cancer is about 90%, according to the Glioblastoma Foundation.
He Is Remaining Hopeful
Michael Bolton has purposely not been given a prognosis and is remaining hopeful. “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,” Michael says. “It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone.”
He announced his illness in January 2024 on his Instagram account.
Michael Bolton lives in Westport, CT, and spends much of his time with his daughters and six grandchildren. “We’re in this together, and that’s it,” his daughter Taryn shares.
His Idea of Legacy Has Evolved
The artist shares that his idea of legacy has evolved. Before his diagnosis, he would have considered his career as his legacy. Now he is more concerned about his daughters.
“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,” he says. “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?’ ”
And what a good question for all of us! Are we really doing the best that we can with our time? It’s a reminder to do just that, no matter our circumstances.
We will keep Michael Bolton and his family in our prayers as they navigate this brain cancer diagnosis.
"Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." - Jeremiah 17:14
WATCH: Michael Bolton Shares about His Aggressive Brain Cancer Diagnosis
This content originally appeared on GodTube.com; used with permission.
Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Originally published May 09, 2025.
