Michael Bolton Had ‘Immediate Surgery’ After Brain Tumor Diagnosis Over Holidays
Michael Bolton is in recovery. On Friday, the musician shared that during the holidays, he went through surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumor at the end of 2023.
“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,” Bolton wrote on Facebook. “I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”
The musician wished his fans a happy new year as he reflected on his recent “very unexpected challenges” and how he’ll dedicate the following months to his recovery, “which means I’ll have to take a temporary break from touring.”
“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,” Bolton wrote. “I am beyond grateful for all the love and support you have so generously shown me through the years. Know that I’m keeping your positive messages in my heart, and I’ll give you more updates as soon as I can.”
He signed his note, “Love always, MB.”
Bolton had a busy end to 2023, as he performed a cover of “Joy to the World” in December for ABC’s Disney Christmas Celebration. He also shared a photo by his Christmas tree wishing fans a happy holiday.
Bolton last sat down for an interview with Rolling Stone in 2019, when he opened up about sitting down for an unlikely songwriting session alongside Bob Dylan. Together, they wrote “Steel Bars” in 1991, which was featured on Bolton’s magnum opus, Time, Love and Tenderness. For Bolton, the experience was utterly surreal. “I couldn’t shut my mind down from repeating this mantra: ‘Oh, my God, this is Bob Dylan,’” he said.
Bolton shared that the collaboration led him to consider doing an entire album of Dylan covers. “I haven’t stopped thinking about that since,” he said at the time. “Not that I wouldn’t catch hell about it.”