More than a year after Michael Bolton received his cancer diagnosis, he shared how the news has changed his life. When the Grammy-winning singer awoke from emergency brain surgery to treat glioblastoma in December 2023, he turned to music for comfort. Michael and his daughter, Holly, spoke with People about that fateful day.
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“He was in recovery in the hospital room singing within minutes,” Holly shared. “I remember one of the nurses [at the hospital] had no idea who he was, and she’s like, ‘Do you know he sings like this?'”
Hearing her dad sing came as a relief, but Michael Bolton was just beginning his cancer journey.
Michael Bolton Will Not Let His Cancer Win
Michael Bolton knows that life is different. He struggles with short-term memory, speech, and mobility, but his determination to fight remains strong.
“You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought,” he told People. “Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You’re really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess that’s the way you find out what you’re made of.”
Micheal Bolton stays active and continues to live life to the fullest despite having cancer. He plays golf, exercises, and keeps up with voice lessons.
“I find comfort in general more easily. [The whole experience] gives me a heightened sense of appreciation. It’s unthinkable for it to be okay not to make the most of your life,” he explained. “I think we develop capabilities and problem management, and we learn how to make the best out of a bad situation. You have to be a cheerleader for yourself.”
Michael Bolton added that cancer has changed his perspective on living. He plans to spend quality time with his daughters Isla, 49, Holly, 47, and Taryn, 45, and their families.
“How do I give things that they can take forward? Life lessons, love, any kind of validation that I can give [them] — I want to be on the right side of that so they feel great about who they are,” he said “It’s a reality of mortality. Suddenly a new light has gone on that raises questions, including ‘Am I doing the best that I can do with my time?’”
This story’s featured image is by Disney Parks/ABC via Getty Images.
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