Barry Manilow Reveals Why He Kept His Sexuality a Secret for Years

Singer Barry Manilow is opening up about why he hid his sexuality from his fans for years.

“I’m so private. I always have been,” the 73-year-old singer told People. “I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything…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.”

Barry has been with his husband and manager Garry Kief for almost forty years.

When Barry was young, he was married to his high school sweetheart Susan Deixler.

“I was in love with Susan…I just was not ready for marriage…I was out making music every night, sowing my wild oats – I was too young. I wasn’t ready to settle down,” he said.

Barry and Garry were married back in 2014.