A health setback has befallen Michael Bolton in the new year.
The adored singer announced to his fans on Friday that he had received a brain tumor diagnosis and would be taking a hiatus from performing.
“It was found that I had a brain tumor just before the holidays, and I needed surgery right away. The procedure went well, thanks to my amazing medical team,” the 70-year-old singer said on Facebook. “I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”
Along with “devoting” the “next couple of months” to his recuperation, the Grammy winner informed fans that he would be taking a “temporary break” from touring.
Bolton wrote to his fans, thanking them for their “love and support” throughout the years. “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 said.
“Know that I’m keeping your positive messages in my heart, and I’ll give you more updates as soon as I can,” he said, before signing his statement, “Much love always, MB.”
The artist spoke candidly about spreading optimism during difficult times last year with his album Spark of Light, which included the poignant track “Beautiful World.”
“We were basically observing our friends and family and seeing that they all really needed some light, that it was so dark and oppressive and basically we were all just carrying layers of fear to our every day,” he said of how the epidemic inspired him. “And so we started to feel a sense of responsibility to deliver hope and promise and all these feelings that seem to be so elusive, and it started to become a feel-good record.”
Bolton said that his family life brought him the greatest happiness after working in the business for many years. (He shares daughters Taryn, Holly, and Isa with his ex-wife Maureen.) He is also a grandfather to six grandkids.
“I’m filled with more love and pride in my girls as they raise their own families,” he said. “I am very happy when I am with the people I love… The essentials are always the same. Love is the universe’s core and the most essential thing. Nothing is more important than this.
Bolton claimed he had learnt to lean into comedy and enjoy life more, but he acknowledged that in his early career he had taken himself a little “too seriously.”
“Letting go of things is when the fun really begins… At the time, he said, “I don’t feel like I’m close to slowing down yet.”
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