Legendary crooner Michael Bolton just went public this week about his own fight with brain cancer. It’s this journey that has brought the support and worry of fans and family to the forefront. At 72, Bolton started feeling symptoms uncommon in a woman’s bowling night with the fam. Shockingly, his diagnosis of glioblastoma came just a week later. His health challenges have opened up some real talk within his family, making it clear that awareness and support are key to thriving.
On a trip to the bowling alley with his extended family, Bolton accidentally bowled out of turn. Even his daughters thought this was a strange way to behave. Taryn, Holly, and Isa Bolton observed their father’s balance issues and nausea while he performed at a charity event in November. Soon, they started seeing the writing on the wall even before the diagnosis was made concrete.
The scary symptoms took a turn for the worse when Bolton developed an intense headache over the weekend. Worried for his health, he reported to the hospital that next Monday. His first diagnosis was that a tumor existed, later diagnosed with glioblastoma after it was surgically removed and examined.
“He’d been working nonstop that whole time. Traveling, doing shows, doing all of these things,” – Taryn Bolton
After his diagnosis, Bolton was treated with radiation and chemotherapy, finishing his last treatment in October. Unfortunately, in January 2024 things took another downturn when he needed a second brain surgery from an infection. Now, he is getting MRI’s every other month to keep a close eye on his condition.
Even with the medical hurdles, Bolton dives into his recovery with a warrior nature. In looking back now on that experience, he says that a positive attitude and being your own best advocate go a long way in a crisis.
“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
Currently recuperating at home in Westport, Connecticut, Bolton is in good spirits with his supportive daughters by his side joined by their six grandchildren. Support from his family has been key to helping him address this tough time and live it with, further deepening their relationship.
His daughter, Taryn Bolton, remembered how athletic his disposition was, saying that he even leading a very healthy life —without alcohol— most of the time. She shared that her family had first pegged Bolton’s symptoms on exhaustion and stress from his overwhelming calendar.
“We were like, he’s getting older, he’s tired, he’s stressed out. All of these things we sort of explained in a way, one by one.” – Taryn Bolton
By sharing his health journey with the world, the Bolton family wants to inspire other families going through the same fight.
“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,” – Michael Bolton
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