Michael Bolton is detailing his battle with brain cancer.
“You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought,” Bolton, 72, said in an interview with People published on Wednesday, April 30. “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.”
The singer, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma, has been experiencing deficits with his short-term memory, speech and mobility while undergoing treatments. He has refused to be given a prognosis but remains hopeful.
Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord, per the Mayo Clinic. The cancerous cells can grow quickly and destroy the healthy cells. Treatment can reduce symptoms and slow cancer growth, but there is no cure.
“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,” he said. “It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Bolton noted that he has a title for a new song: “Ain’t Going Down Without a Fight.”
“I want to keep going,” he said. “I feel there’s still a lot to do on the fight side.”
Bolton announced last year that he underwent immediate surgery after doctors discovered a brain tumor in 2023.
“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,” the singer wrote via Facebook in January 2024. “Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success.”
Bolton shared that he had to take an extended hiatus from performing live to focus on his recovery from surgery.
“For the next couple of months, I will be devoting my time and energy to my recovery which means I’ll have to take a temporary break from touring,” he explained. “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.”
After canceling a series of concerts, Bolton was focused on his health and had his family by his side. The “When A Man Loves A Woman” singer shares daughters Isa, Holly and Taryn with ex-wife Maureen McGuire. He is also a grandfather.
Three months after revealing his diagnosis, Bolton gave an update on his condition.
“I am healing well and doing better every day. I’ve been enjoying the company of my daughters and grandkids during this time at home, and practicing on my putting green whenever it’s not raining!” he wrote via Facebook in March 2024. “Thank you all so much for all the kind messages and I hope to see you very soon!!”
At the end of the year, Bolton posted a photo of himself and his family celebrating the holidays.
“Sending warm wishes for a holiday season filled with peace, love, and joy. May the New Year bring health, happiness, and countless moments to cherish,” he captioned his post. “Here’s to fresh starts and beautiful moments in 2025!”
Bolton and his family were decked out in Christmas-themed loungewear. The Grammy winner donned a red Santa hat and Grinch T-shirt underneath a black jacket. He had a light blue holiday blanket laid on his lap.
