Over a year after revealing his diagnosis with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, 72-year-old music legend Michael Bolton is opening up about his ongoing battle and the perspective it’s given him.
“You’re drawn into a duel with the disease,” he told People in an April 30 interview. “Succumbing is not an option. That’s when you find out what you’re made of.”
Bolton underwent emergency surgery in December 2023 to remove the tumor, followed by a second surgery due to an infection, as well as radiation and chemotherapy, which he completed in October. He now receives bi-monthly MRIs, and his latest scan showed no signs of recurrence.
Choosing to remain hopeful, Bolton has asked doctors not to share his prognosis. “I find comfort more easily now,” he said. “This has given me a deeper appreciation for life. It’s unthinkable not to make the most of it.”
The experience has also reshaped his view on legacy—especially as a father and grandfather. “I want to leave more than music. I want to give my daughters life lessons, love, and the kind of validation that helps them feel great about who they are.”
