Barry Manilow Comes Out As Gay

Christina Lee | April 5, 2017 3:47 pm
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In 2015, Barry Manilow married his longtime manager Garry Kief. But he refused to speak on the occasion, much less the bigger revelation with that headline. Now, he is coming out at the age of 73, thanks to outward support from fans.

“I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay,” Barry says to PEOPLE, on why he hasn’t spoken about his sexuality until now. “So I never did anything. [But] when they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”

To fans, Barry’s 39-year relationship with Garry has been an open secret. Today, some self-satisfied critics are patting themselves on the back, saying they didn’t need Barry to tell them he is gay. But Pitch Perfect actress Anna Kendrick said it best: “Lot of people seem really proud of themselves for announcing they “already knew” Barry Manilow was gay. Yeah……ur the true heroes today guys.”

Meanwhile, the iconic singer couldn’t be happier. “I’m loving all of your responses. You guys are truly the greatest,” he says on Twitter.

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