Barry Manilow cancels concert 45 minutes before start amid ongoing lung cancer recovery

Barry Manilow canceled his Kentucky show on Tuesday just 45 minutes before it was scheduled to start.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances tonight’s show in Lexington has been rescheduled,” Manilow, who was diagnosed with lung cancer last year, wrote on X ahead of the concert. No other explanation was given.

While some slammed Manilow as “disrespectful” for the late cancellation, others were quick to offer him words of encouragement.

“He said, ‘Barry, you won’t be ready to do a 90-minute show. Your lungs aren’t ready yet,’” Manilow continued.

“You’re in great shape considering what you’ve been through, but your body isn’t ready. You shouldn’t do the first arena shows. You won’t make it through.”

Manilow continued, “I had a feeling he’d say that. Deep down… my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready… When I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!”

In May, Manilow announced that while he had to cancel his “Hits Come Home” residency dates that month at Westgate Resort in Las Vegas, he’s “making great progress” with his lung cancer treatment and plans to return to the stage sooner rather than later.

“Good news! I went to the doctor yesterday and he said I’m making great progress and look great! Well of course I do! Thank you very much!” he wrote on X. “All the training and exercising I’ve put in is paying off.”

“He did say, however, that I’m not quite ready for Vegas. That means I won’t be able to return for our May shows at @WestgateVegas. But the good news is he said I will be ready for my June arena shows in the UK. It’s going to be great to see you all in the UK. Westgate Las Vegas is my home away from home… and I’ll see you all in July. In the meantime… come to the UK! We’ll be there in June and hope you will be too! See you then… Barry.”

Fox News Digital’s Ashley Hume contributed to this post.