"There’s a certain amount of light they bring": Michael Bolton credits family and laughter-filled home for keeping his spirits high amid cancer battle

Michael Bolton is facing one of the toughest challenges of his life, but the unwavering support of his loved ones keeps him uplifted.

In his recent People cover story, the 72-year-old Grammy-winning singer opened up for the first time about his 2023 glioblastoma diagnosis and revealed the immense role his family plays in helping him through the journey.

Bolton credits his family, especially his three daughters and six grandchildren, for bringing light and laughter into his life during this difficult time.

He continued:

“It’s unimaginable moving forward without my family being so on board. There’s a certain amount of light they bring. I just feel better to have them there. This is a house of laughter, thankfully.”

His daughter Taryn echoed the sentiment, adding that the humor and joy of family gatherings, like trivia game nights, help lift Bolton’s spirits, as his grandchildren keep him on his toes:

“We’re in this together, and that’s it. We rely on each other, and we’ve become really close. My kids think he’s so funny, and I think that he loves that. When he makes people laugh, he’s on top of the world."

Despite the challenges of chemotherapy and radiation, which have affected his speech, mobility, and short-term memory, the Go the Distance singer’s fighting and creative spirit remain unshaken.

“I want to keep going. I feel there’s still a lot to do on the fight side. I got a title for a song: ‘Ain’t Going Down Without a Fight.’”

Michael Bolton hoped his openness would offer comfort to others going through similar struggles, emphasizing the power of knowing you're not alone. He stated:

“Whenever you find yourself in any kind of challenging position, just to know that you’re not alone going through it is a big deal. It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone.”

Michael Bolton remains determined amid cancer battle: "You have to be a cheerleader for yourself"

Michael Bolton first revealed the news of his diagnosis to fans in January 2024, stating on Instagram that he had undergone brain surgery and would be taking a break from touring.

Since then, he has found comfort at home in Westport, Conn., where he spends quality time with his family.

The "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" singer stays active by meditating daily, golfing, working with a personal trainer, and doing voice lessons and therapy online.

“I find comfort in general more easily. [The whole experience] gives me a heightened sense of appreciation. You have to be a cheerleader for yourself.”

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As he faces one of the biggest challenges of his life, Bolton’s perspective on legacy seems to have shifted. Currently, he focuses more on making sure his daughters are equipped for whatever comes next.

“How do I give things that they can take forward? Life lessons, love, any kind of validation… I want to be on the right side of that so they feel great about who they are. Am I doing the best that I can do with my time?”

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