Michael Bolton in a Hiatus As He Recovers From Brain Cancer

A health setback has befallen Michael Bolton in the new year. This is tragic news for his fans, because he needs to prioritize his health and let go of performing, for an indefinite period.

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.

"Just before the holidays, it was discovered that I had a brain tumor, which required immediate surgery. Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success," the singer, 70, wrote 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" over 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 wrote.

"Know that I'm keeping your positive messages in my heart, and I'll give you more updates as soon as I can," he concluded, signing his note, "Much love always, MB."

The artist spoke candidly about spreading optimism during difficult times last year with his album Spark of Light, which featured 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 explained of how the pandemic 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 most 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. "The people I love bring me a lot of happiness... The important things never really change. Love is the most important thing, the center of the universe. There's nothing greater."

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."

"The fun starts happening when you let go of things... I don't feel like I'm near slowing down yet," he said at the time.

Michael Bolton isn't concerned with being relevant after over 50 years in the industry; instead, he's just trying to have fun. This, he said last year.

In 2023, Bolton had appearances on HBO Max series "Clone High," co-starred in "Nora From Queens" with Awkwafina, and performed covertly on "The Masked Singer."

With Spark of Light, his first original album in 14 years, Bolton rekindled his love of songwriting amongst all of his screen time. Bolton's objective is the same no matter what he does: never take anything for granted. Maybe that's because his modest Connecticut origins preceded his legacy by eighteen years.