Michael Bolton is opening up about his cancer battle for the first time.
The music icon, 72, explained in an interview with People published Wednesday how he’s continued to fight to survive after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in Dec. 2023.
“You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought,” Bolton said.
“Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You’re really quickly drawn into a duel,” he added. “I guess that’s the way you find out what you’re made of.”
Bolton discovered he had a brain tumor and required surgery shortly before the holidays in 2023, which led to his glioblastoma diagnosis. He underwent a second brain surgery in Jan. 2024, due to an infection.
The “Fools Game” singer confirmed to People that he finished radiation and chemotherapy treatment in October, and undergoes MRIs every two months. His latest scan in April was clear, but it’s common for glioblastoma to recur.
Bolton shared that his short-term memory, speech and mobility have been impacted by his treatments.
“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,” said Bolton, who has been recovering at his home in Westport, Conn. with the support of his family, including his daughters Isa, 49, Holly, 47, and Taryn, 45, and his six grandchildren.
“It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone,” he added.
Taryn told the outlet, “We’re in this together, and that’s it.”
Holly, meanwhile, said that her famous dad was “singing within minutes” in the hospital after his first brain surgery.
“I remember one of the nurses had no idea who he was, and she’s like, ‘Do you know he sings like this?’” she recalled.
Bolton revealed that in his recovery he’s also meditating daily, golfing, working with a personal trainer, taking voice lessons and doing voice therapy with a coach online.
“I find comfort in general more easily. [The whole experience] gives me a heightened sense of appreciation. It’s unthinkable for it to be okay not to make the most of your life,” he said.
Bolton added: “I think we develop capabilities and problem management, and we learn how to make the best out of a bad situation. You have to be a cheerleader for yourself.”
He also said that he’s facing “a reality of mortality” amidst his cancer battle.
“Suddenly a new light has gone on that raises questions, including ‘Am I doing the best that I can do with my time?’” Bolton said, adding, “I want to keep going. I feel there’s still a lot to do on the fight side.”
The Grammy Award winner penned a heartfelt note to fans revealing that he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required surgery in Jan. 2024.
“Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success,” Bolton wrote. “I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”
Bolton noted that he was taking a “temporary break” from touring at the time.
He concluded: “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.”
Bolton has no upcoming tour dates listed on his website.
Content shared from nypost.com.