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Michael Bolton has opened up about his brain cancer diagnosis in an interview with Magazine.

Bolton, 72, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2023. Bolton has said that his diagnosis has affected his short-term memory, speech and mobility.

After having emergency surgery in December 2023, doctors said they were not able to remove the entirety of the brain tumor.

“You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought," Bolton said in the interview. “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.��

Bolton then had another brain surgery in January 2024 and finished radiation and chemotherapy in October 2024. Now, Bolton must undergo MRIs every two months for doctors to ensure that his tumor has not returned. The recurrence for glioblastoma is about 90%.

Bolton has purposely not been given a prognosis for his cancer, however, the singer remains hopeful.

“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,�� Bolton said. “It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone.��

Since his diagnosis, Bolton decided to take a break from touring and is living in Westport, Connecticut, with his family. He still sings and takes voice lessons as well as does voice therapy.

“I find comfort in general more easily. [The whole experience] gives me a heightened sense of appreciation. It’s unthinkable for it to be OK not to make the most of your life,�� he said. “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.��

At the end of his interview, Bolton acknowledged his legacy as a musician and what is next for him and his family.

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