(NEXSTAR) — Michael Bolton has shared new details after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2023, adding that he wants “to keep going,” in a new interview.
The singer revealed in January 2024 that he required surgery after it was discovered that he had a brain tumor. At the time, Bolton, now 72, said he was taking a break from touring.
“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,” he wrote in an Instagram post at the time.
Bolton was diagnosed with glioblastoma in December 2023 and underwent an emergency surgery that month. He underwent a second surgery in January following an infection, according to an interview published by People on Wednesday.
Glioblastoma, which begins as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord, can grow quickly, the Mayo Clinic explains. It can happen at any age, and in most cases, the cause of the cancer is unknown. Surgery is sometimes an option for those diagnosed with glioblastoma if it has not grown too deep into the brain. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also treatment options.
Bolton underwent both and finished treatment in October. He still undergoes MRIs to ensure his tumor has not returned, with his most recent scan earlier this month coming back clear, according to People.
“You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought,” Bolton 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.”
The singer was purposely not given a prognosis and told People he is choosing to remain hopeful.
He said that he meditates daily and golfs frequently, works with a personal trainer, and takes voice lessons alongside voice therapy. Bolton’s short-term memory, speech, and mobility were impacted by his treatments.
The father of three and grandfather of six told People he wants to give his kin “things that they can take forward” now.
“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,” Bolton said. “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?'”
Bolton has been nominated four times for the Grammy Award for best male pop vocal performance. He won in the category twice: once in 1990 for “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” and then again two years later for “When A Man Loves A Woman.”
“I want to keep going,” Bolton told People. “I feel there’s still a lot to do on the fight side.”
Nexstar’s Alix Martichoux contributed to this report.
