Barry Manilow Explains Why He Came Out When He Did

Music icon Barry Manilow stopped by Today, where he chatted about recently coming out. The singer appeared on the cover of the April 17 issue of People, in which he made it public knowledge for the first time. But according to him, this is old news for those closest to him and, he thinks, maybe even his fans. In fact, Manilow felt the need to go public only because he felt forced.

Barry Manilow performs at Radio City Music Hall in April, during the Tribeca Film Festival. (Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Barry Manilow performs at Radio City Music Hall in April, during the Tribeca Film Festival. (Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

The Enquirer kind of caught us getting married, so we were stuck. So we let People magazine come on in. But, you know, I’m a private guy,” Manilow said.

Manilow, who is currently out promoting his new album, This Is My Town: Songs of New York, also said that he prefers to let his music speak for him rather than talk about his private life in public. He did, however, point out something pretty impressive about his relationship with his husband.

“This part is uncomfortable but not the topic. No, I’m not uncomfortable about that. Gary and I have been together going on 40 years,” Manilow said, adding, “That’s amazing for anybody.”

Check out Magic Johnson’s advice for parents of gay children:

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