In a heartfelt interview with People magazine, iconic singer Michael Bolton has spoken publicly for the first time about his battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Diagnosed with glioblastoma in December 2023, the Grammy-winning artist underwent emergency surgery and has since been undergoing treatment while surrounded by his family.

Bolton, 72, told People’s Sarah Michaud that facing such a serious health challenge has shifted his perspective. “Succumbing to the challenge is not an option,” he said. “You’re quickly drawn into a duel. That’s how you find out what you’re made of.”

Despite the initial shock of the diagnosis, Bolton’s resilience has inspired those closest to him. His daughter Holly recalled that the moment he woke from surgery, he began to sing — a powerful symbol of the voice that has sustained him for five decades. Doctors successfully removed the tumor during the December operation, and although a second surgery was needed in January to address an infection, Bolton has since completed radiation and chemotherapy.

Now living quietly at home in Westport, Connecticut, the singer focuses on family time with his daughters and six grandchildren, maintains his health through golf and meditation, and continues voice therapy. “I find comfort more easily,” Bolton reflected. “You have to be a cheerleader for yourself.”

Bolton has not been given a prognosis and prefers to face each day with optimism. His regular MRIs have so far shown no recurrence of the tumor, though glioblastoma is known to return in the vast majority of cases.

In a moving reflection, Bolton said his definition of legacy has shifted. “It’s about the people you love,” he said. “How do I give things that they can take forward?”

Through it all, Bolton retains his trademark humor and determination. “I got a title for a song,” he told People. ‘Ain’t Going Down Without a Fight.’”