Singer Barry Manilow has opened up about being gay in an exclusive interview in the new issue of People magazine.
“I’m so private,” said the 73-year-old, who is married to his longtime manager Garry Kief. “I always have been.”
The man who made songs like “Mandy,” “Looks Like We Made It” and “Can’t Smile Without You” famous (and crafted jingles for Band-Aid and State Farm) said he’s been in a relationship with Kief for nearly 40 years.
The two were married in Palm Springs in 2014 — and news of the nuptials eventually got out.
“I thought I would be disappointing [fans] if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything,” Manilow told People.
“When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”
Manilow’s hits include “Copacabana (At the Copa)” — which he co-wrote — and “I Write The Songs” — which, ironically, he did not write (it was penned by Beach Boys’ Bruce Johnston).