American music star Michael Bolton will keep on fighting in his battle with brain cancer, as he shared how the whole experience has given him a “heightened sense of appreciation”.
The 72-year-old opened up about his condition in an exclusive interview with American entertainment publication People published on April 30.
The Grammy-winning singer first disclosed his illness on social media in January 2024. He wrote then that he was recuperating from an operation to remove a brain tumour and taking a “temporary break” from touring.
“You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought,” he told People. “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.”
Bolton, best known for hit songs such as How Am I Supposed To Live Without You? (1989) and When A Man Loves A Woman (1991), was diagnosed with glioblastoma – a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer – in December 2023.
According to People, he underwent emergency surgery, in which doctors were able to remove a brain tumour in its entirety, and went for a second brain operation in January 2024 due to an infection.
Bolton has three daughters – Isa, 49; Holly, 47; and Taryn, 45 – from his marriage to yoga instructor Maureen McGuire between 1975 and 1990. He also has six grandchildren.
He said he has been going for MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) every two months since completing radiation and chemotherapy treatment in October 2024 to ensure his tumour has not returned.
His short-term memory, speech and mobility have been affected by the treatments. He is working with a personal trainer and taking voice lessons, including voice therapy. He also meditates daily and plays golf as much as he can.
His health crisis has made him aware of the reality of mortality and made him raise questions such as whether he is doing the best that he can with his time.
“I want to keep going. I feel there’s still a lot to do on the fight side,” he said. “I got a title for a song: Ain’t Going Down Without A Fight.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
