The daughter of the 72-year-old musician recently revealed that a lively family evening led to a discovery that shocked both his loved ones and netizens.
Michael Bolton’s daughter, Taryn Bolton, confirmed in an April 30, 2025, interview with People that doctors diagnosed the Grammy-winning singer with glioblastoma — a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
The first signs appeared just after Thanksgiving 2023, during a night out bowling with family. Taryn said her father kept bowling out of turn — something she called “super weird.”
Earlier that evening, he had suddenly fallen from his chair. “He fell out of his chair to the left, which is very unusual. He’s super athletic, and he doesn’t drink,” she said. “So he fell, and we were like, ‘What just happened?'”
Despite their concern, Taryn and her sisters, Holly and Isa, initially attributed the symptoms, including nausea and balance issues, during a November 2023 charity event, to exhaustion and stress. At the time, Michael remained professionally active, touring, filming a movie cameo, and promoting a new album.
When Michael developed a severe headache that weekend, he went to the hospital. An MRI revealed a brain tumor, which surgeons removed entirely. A week later, pathology confirmed it was glioblastoma (GBM).
He shared the news publicly in January 2024, explaining in a Facebook post that the tumor had been discovered just before the holidays. While recovering at home, he announced a temporary break from touring and thanked fans for their continued support.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, GBM is the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults and one of the most rapidly progressing and difficult to treat. It grows quickly, invades healthy brain tissue, and has no known cure.
Its common symptoms include headaches, speech or memory issues, seizures, and personality changes. While treatment such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can extend survival and improve quality of life, the cancer almost always recurs.
Dr. Ingo Mellinghoff of Memorial Sloan Kettering emphasized that these tumors may also lead to coordination issues and subtle behavioral changes. He cautioned that while many signs are subtle, they shouldn’t be ignored.
“Speech is pretty sensitive. We all have our speech patterns, and if all of a sudden your friend says, ‘It sounds so strange, and it doesn’t make sense,’ that is definitely something,” he explained.
Following his diagnosis, Michael completed chemotherapy and radiation in October 2024. Because glioblastoma has a high recurrence rate, he now undergoes MRIs every two months. His most recent scan, in April 2025, showed no signs of the tumor returning.
Online, fans shared messages of support. One netizen said, “Could tell there was something wrong for a good while. Prayers.” Another commented, “When he was on the sherri show [sic]. I knew something was up. He was not himself.”
A third wrote, “Omg this is soo sad 🙏 what a beautiful family God Bless Michael wishing you lots of courage and ❤️ [sic].” Someone else described the diagnosis as “grueling” and sent heartfelt prayers to Bolton and his family.
A fan online found it touching that he was still spending time with his children, adding that his music had shaped their youth. Another commenter expressed concern for his health and wished him strength. A supporter on social media reflected on the lasting joy his songs had brought to listeners and offered words of thanks.
Meanwhile, one follower simply shared hope that he would recover fully. Another added, “Dear Michael never give up! Praying for a miracle for you!”
As reactions poured in across social media, Michael and his family reflected on how their lives changed after his diagnosis. Taryn wasn’t alone in noticing early signs. Her sister, Holly, recalled a striking moment after Michael’s brain surgery on December 4, 2023.
As he recovered, their father began singing — his voice still strong. A nurse, unaware of who he was, asked if others knew he could sing like that. For Holly and her sisters, it was a moment of unexpected relief.
Though Isa hasn’t spoken publicly, she has remained deeply involved, supporting Michael alongside her sisters. The three have leaned into moments of lightness — sharing laughter, embracing family traditions, and making new memories at Michael’s longtime home in Westport, Connecticut.
