Barry Manilow, 73, comes out as gay and reveals romance of 40 years with manager Garry Kief
The pop legend secretly married his manager Garry Kief in 2014
BARRY Manilow has spoken about his sexuality for the first time, revealing he's gay and secretly wed his manager Garry Kief in 2014.
Speaking to , the pop legend said he kept his sexuality a secret because he was worried about "disappointing" his female fans.
This marks the first time the 73-year-old has spoken openly about being gay or confirmed his 40 years romance with Garry.
He said: "I’m so private and I always have been.”
The couple wed at their home in Palm Springs, California in April 2014 and while there were numerous rumours at the time, this marks the first time he has confirmed the marriage.
Barry admitted it was both a ";blessing and a curse" when the news of his wedding emerged.
Barry said he was delighted when his marriage became an "open secret" among his fans and was overwhelmed by their support.
Shortly after the marriage reports, he wore a wedding band when he performed at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
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He said: "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," recalls Manilow. "The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’
"I’m just so grateful for it. Thank goodness we’re still together and we’re in good shape, too."
However, Garry initially found the attention his partner received quite overwhelming to deal with.
Recalling the aftermath of one of his concerts early in their relationship, Barry said: "I got into the car with him, and [the fans] were rocking the car.
"He was like, 'I can't handle this. It's not for me.' I'm glad he stayed."
Barry was briefly married to his high-school sweetheart Susan Deixler from 1964 to 1966 and insists he was in love with her and wasn't struggling with his sexuality but was just "too young" to settle down.
He said: "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."
The Mandy singer met Garry in 1978 and he became his manager and the President of Barry Manilow Productions.
Barry said: "I knew that this was it, I was one of the lucky ones. I was pretty lonely before that.
“He’s the smartest person I’ve ever met in my life — and a great guy, too."
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