Barry Manilow Reveals He's A Grandfather: 'This Is A Brand-New Experience'
By Favour Adegoke on October 18, 2023 at 3:33 PM EDT
Legendary singer Barry Manilow has revealed that he is now a proud grandfather.
The 80-year-old shared the news in a new interview, saying that he is really enjoying the brand-new experience despite never wanting to have kids of his own.
In the interview, he also explained how his status as a grandfather came into being, revealing that his partner's daughter adopted a child.
The stunning confession comes after Manilow reached a new height in his long, award-filled career, breaking Elvis Presley's record for the highest number of concerts at Los Angeles' famed Westgate Resort & Casino.
Barry Manilow Says 'This Is A Brand-New Experience For Me'
Legendary music artist Barry Manilow, who is married to Garry Kief, shared the exciting news that he is now a grandfather.
The singer explained that while he has had no child of his own and never wanted to get involved with that, his partner's daughter, Kirsten, adopted a little girl, leading to him experiencing what it means to be a grandfather.
"Garry's daughter Kirsten adopted a little girl, and so I'm now a grandfather," he told People magazine in an interview. "I've never, ever thought about having a baby or having anything to do with [being] a father or any of that."
Reveling in the new experience, Manilow gushed about how much he is enjoying watching the nearly three-year-old child get older each day.
"I'm watching this little girl—she's 2½—grow up and learn. This is a brand-new experience for me, and I really am enjoying it," added the Grammy Award-winning songwriter.
Barry Manilow Breaks An Elvis Presley Record Last Month
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Expanding his family isn't the only thing Manilow is currently grateful for. The "One More Night" crooner has had a swell year, which has seen him surpass the late King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley's record for the highest number of shows performed at Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Presley held the record of 636 shows at the location for over three decades prior to Manilow hosting his 637th.
To commemorate the occasion, Manilow shared a clip from the show, which featured him on stage with representatives from the Westgate and the Clark County Commission.
"Welcome to our record-breaking weekend," Manilow could be seen gushing to the attendees. "Tonight, we are breaking his record with our 637th show here."
The "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" singer also used the moment to thank his fans for all their support over the years and for coming to his record-breaking concert.
"It really is all about you guys," he added. "You know I love all the awards and all, but I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Thank you for coming tonight and through all the years."
Barry Manilow Explains Why He Is Yet To Retire
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Despite turning 80, Manilow has yet to hang the boots on his career, as seen by the series of Las Vegas residency events he has hosted this year. This is in addition to his feature in the upcoming Broadway production "Harmony."
Back in April, Manilow explained the reason why he has chosen to remain in the limelight, saying he doesn't like being idle.
"Well, I don't like sitting around watching television," Manilow told People in an interview. "I mean, I'm just one of the lucky guys that always has something. I've got two albums that I'm working on, then Radio City, and it just goes on and on and on."
The "Bridge Over Troubled Water" singer also shared that he has remained active because of the health benefits that come with it.
He continued, "I think by keeping working, you stay young, or at least you stay vibrant and your brain is always working. And that's me — I've always got something going on."
Congratulations!