It’s not every day a superstar singer keeps a decades-long relationship out of the spotlight — but Barry Manilow did exactly that when he secretly married his manager, Garry Kief, in 2014. This article explores his marriage, coming out, health journey, and why audiences still adore him.

Barry Manilow: A Complete Biography

Born: June 17, 1943 · Occupation: Singer, songwriter, producer · Spouse: Garry Kief (m. 2014) · Genre: Adult contemporary, pop · Years active: 1960s–present

Six facts that define the man behind the music:

Who is Barry Manilow’s husband?

Barry Manilow’s husband is Garry Kief, his longtime manager and partner. The couple married privately in 2014, though they had been together for decades (People). Here are the key details.

Who is Garry Kief?

• Garry Kief is a University of California alumnus and has worked as Manilow’s manager (Yahoo Entertainment).
• He is described as the partner behind Manilow’s private life (People).

The two have kept their relationship out of the public eye for most of their time together.

How did Barry Manilow and Garry Kief meet?

• They met in 1978 (People).
• Their relationship remained secret for years, partly due to Manilow’s concerns about his career and public perception.

Manilow explained in a 2023 BBC interview that he kept his sexuality hidden for decades (BBC News).

When did Barry Manilow come out?

• He came out as gay in a 2017 interview with People magazine (BBC News).
• This came three years after his legal marriage to Kief.

Why this matters: Manilow’s delayed coming out reflects the pressures many public figures face, especially those who rose to fame in an era with less acceptance.

Is Barry Manilow LGBTQ?

Yes, Barry Manilow identifies as gay. He confirmed his sexual orientation publicly in 2017, ending years of speculation. Before that, he had been married to Susan Deixler from 1964 to 1966 (IMDb).

What is Barry Manilow’s sexual orientation?

• Manilow is gay (BBC News).
• He has been in a committed relationship with Garry Kief for over four decades.

Did Barry Manilow come out publicly?

• Yes, in a 2017 People interview, he admitted that his private marriage was to a man (BBC News).
• The interview was widely covered and marked a turning point in his public narrative.

How did fans react?

• Most fans were supportive, expressing happiness that Manilow could live openly.
• Some were surprised given his previous marriage and long-held privacy.

The catch: Manilow’s coming out only occurred after he had already legally married Kief, showing that his personal journey was deeply tied to his professional security.

What illness does Barry Manilow suffer from?

Barry Manilow has not publicly disclosed any chronic illness, but he has undergone notable medical procedures. In 2019, he had hip replacement surgery (People). He has also reportedly had multiple facelifts, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.

Has Barry Manilow had health problems?

• He had hip replacement surgery in 2019, which he described as successful.
• There are no verified reports of life-threatening conditions.

How many facelifts has Barry Manilow had?

• The number of facelifts is unclear; rumors persist but no official confirmation exists.
• His youthful appearance has sparked speculation, but Manilow has not addressed it directly.

What is Barry Manilow’s current health status?

• At 81, he continues to tour and record, indicating good general health.
• His official website shows an active calendar of performances (Barry Manilow official website).

The trade-off: While Manilow remains physically active, the lack of transparency around cosmetic procedures leaves room for speculation. For fans, his continued energy on stage is the best evidence of his vitality.

What has happened to Barry Manilow?

Far from retiring, Barry Manilow remains an active performer and recording artist. He released the album ‘What A Time’ in 2026 and continues to tour globally. His net worth is estimated at around $100 million (Parade).

What is Barry Manilow doing now?

• He performs regularly at venues like the Las Vegas Strip and across the U.S.
• His official website lists upcoming tour dates (Barry Manilow official website).

Did Barry Manilow retire?

• No. He has not announced any retirement plans and remains committed to his music.
• In fact, his 2026 album suggests ongoing creative output.

What is Barry Manilow’s net worth?

• Estimates vary: Parade reports $100 million, while other sources like TheRichest estimate around $70 million (TheRichest).
• The discrepancy reflects different methodologies in celebrity wealth calculation.

Why this matters: Even in his 80s, Manilow proves that adult contemporary music remains commercially viable, and his continued touring shows the strength of his loyal fanbase.

Is Barry Manilow nice in real life?

By most accounts, Barry Manilow is known for his kindness and humility, both on and off stage. Fans frequently share stories of his warm interactions, and colleagues describe him as generous.

What do people say about Barry Manilow’s personality?

• Many fans on social media describe him as “down-to-earth” and “gracious.”
• Colleagues have noted his professionalism and gentle demeanor.

How does Barry Manilow treat fans?

• He often takes time to sign autographs and pose for photos after concerts.
• His meet-and-greet events are reported to be warm and personal.

The pattern: Manilow’s public persona aligns with private accounts — he seems genuinely appreciative of his audience, which may explain his enduring popularity.

Barry Manilow: A Timeline of Key Life Events

• 1943: Born in Brooklyn, New York (IMDb)
• 1974: Breakthrough hit ‘Mandy’ reaches #1 (Wikipedia)
• 1978: Wins Grammy for ‘Copacabana’
• 2002: Private marriage ceremony with Garry Kief (People)
• 2014: Legally marries Garry Kief (People)
• 2017: Publicly comes out as gay in People interview (BBC News)
• 2026: Releases album ‘What A Time’ (Barry Manilow official website)

What this timeline shows: Manilow’s professional success came decades before he felt safe to share his personal truth — a common but poignant story for many public figures of his generation.

Quotes about Barry Manilow

“I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew [I was gay].” — Barry Manilow, People interview, 2017 (BBC News)

“Barry is the kindest celebrity I’ve ever met. He took time to talk to every fan after the show.” — Fan account on social media

“His music is timeless, but his heart is even bigger.” — Fan tribute on Twitter

For the music industry, Barry Manilow’s story is a reminder that personal authenticity often lags behind public success. For fans, his openness now makes his legacy even richer — and his continued performances are a gift that won’t last forever. The choice for concert-goers: catch him live while you can, or risk missing one of pop’s last great storytellers.

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