First Interview Since Halting Activities Due to Cancer Diagnosis
"Giving in Is Not an Option... Recovering with Family"
Legendary American pop star Michael Bolton, 72, has revealed in a recent interview that he is battling a malignant brain tumor, sharing a message of hope with his fans.
According to Yonhap News, Bolton spoke about his feelings during his illness in an interview with the American entertainment outlet People, published on April 30 (local time), saying, "Succumbing to adversity is not an option." This was his first official interview since suspending his singing career following his cancer diagnosis. Previously, in January last year, Bolton announced on Instagram that he had undergone brain surgery and would be halting his ongoing tour performances at that time.
His daughter Taryn explained the process of her father's diagnosis in an interview with People. In November 2023, during a charity performance at Necker Island, the private estate of Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson in the United Kingdom, Bolton first experienced symptoms of nausea and problems with balance. After a thorough examination, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, in December of the same year and immediately underwent surgery to remove the tumor.
In January of the following year, he underwent a second brain surgery due to an infection, and by October of that year, he had completed both radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Currently, he is undergoing MRI scans every two months to monitor for tumor recurrence. The results from last month's examination were favorable.
Bolton, who is focusing on his recovery through golf and meditation at his home in Connecticut, said, "These days, I find comfort spending time with my two daughters and six grandchildren," and added, "When facing difficulties, simply knowing you are not alone gives you great strength." He also reflected on his journey with illness, saying, "It makes me feel even more grateful," and, "Giving in to such challenges is not an option. I am learning how to make the best out of a bad situation."
Bolton began his career as the vocalist for the heavy metal band Blackjack in the 1970s before transitioning to a singer-songwriter with his self-titled album in 1975. Over nearly 50 years, he has sold more than 75 million albums, won six American Music Awards and two Grammy Awards, and met his Korean fans through two concerts in Korea in 2014 and 2023.
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