When you think of Barry Manilow, you probably hear "Mandy" or "Copacabana" playing in your head. He’s the ultimate showman, the guy who dominated the 70s and 80s with power ballads that everyone—even the people who won't admit it—knows the words to. But for a long time, there was this massive question mark hanging over his personal life. People often search for the wife of Barry Manilow, and the answer is actually a lot more interesting than a simple name.
Basically, Barry has been married twice. Once to a woman he loved deeply in his youth, and once to the man who has been by his side for nearly half a century.
Honestly, the story of his first marriage is one of those classic "wrong time, wrong place" situations. Long before the Grammys and the Vegas residencies, Barry was just a kid from Brooklyn named Barry Pincus. He met a girl named Susan Deixler at Eastern District High School, and they were the quintessential high school sweethearts.
Susan Deixler: The High School Sweetheart
In 1964, at the age of 21, Barry married Susan. She was 19. By all accounts, including Barry’s own memoir, she was the "perfect wife." But here’s the thing: Barry was obsessed with music. He was out every single night, playing in clubs, chasing a dream that was just starting to materialize.
He’s been very clear in interviews that the marriage didn't end because of his sexuality. He was just a young guy who wasn't ready to be a husband. He wanted a "musical adventure," and he felt he couldn't do that while being married. They split after just one year, and the marriage was officially annulled in 1966.
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Susan went on to live a very different life. She stayed out of the spotlight, moved to Northern California, and spent over 30 years as a dedicated community leader for West Marin Senior Services. When the news of Barry’s second marriage eventually broke decades later, she was incredibly classy about it. She told reporters she was happy for him and that their time together was "ancient history."
No drama. No tell-all books. Just two people who grew apart before they ever really grew up.
The Man Behind the Music: Garry Kief
If you’re looking for the person who truly shares Barry’s life today, you’re looking for Garry Kief. They met in 1978. At that point, Barry was a superstar, and he was, by his own admission, pretty lonely. Fame is weird like that—you’re surrounded by thousands of screaming fans but you go back to an empty hotel room.
Garry was a TV executive at the time and didn't really know much about Barry’s career. That was the hook. Barry liked that Garry treated him like a normal guy, not a "superstar."
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A Partnership of Decades
- They’ve been together since 1978. That’s over 45 years of partnership.
- Garry became his manager. He’s the President and CEO of Stiletto Entertainment.
- They raised a daughter. Garry had a one-year-old daughter, Kirsten, when they met. They raised her together, and recently, they even became grandparents.
For decades, they kept the romance a secret. Barry was terrified that coming out would alienate his massive female fanbase. You have to remember, in the 70s and 80s, the industry was a very different place. He thought he would "disappoint" people.
The Surprise Wedding and the Big Reveal
The couple finally tied the knot in April 2014. It wasn't some massive Hollywood gala. They invited about 20 to 30 friends to their 53-acre estate in Palm Springs for what everyone thought was just a casual lunch. Surprise! It was a wedding.
The news didn't even leak for a year. And Barry didn't officially "come out" to the public until a People magazine cover story in 2017.
The reaction? People loved it. The "Fanilows" (his hardcore fans) were overwhelmingly supportive. Barry said he was moved to tears by how many strangers reached out just to say they were happy he was happy.
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Recent Health Challenges
As of early 2026, the couple is facing a new hurdle. Barry recently shared that he’s been diagnosed with lung cancer. It’s a heavy blow for a man who has spent his life on stage, but he’s been posting updates from his hospital bed with his trademark optimism. Through it all, Garry has been there—the manager, the husband, and the rock.
The "wife of Barry Manilow" might be a common search term, but the real story is about a 45-year bond that survived the pressures of fame, the fear of the closet, and the test of time.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you want to keep up with Barry's journey or support his legacy, here’s what you can do:
- Check Official Updates: Follow Barry’s verified social media for the most accurate news regarding his health and 2026 residency status.
- Support the Music: Barry’s discography is massive. If you only know the hits, check out his jazz albums like 2:00 AM Paradise Cafe—it’s where his talent really shines.
- Respect the Privacy: While Barry is more open now, he and Garry still value their private life in Palm Springs. Stick to reputable news sources and avoid invasive tabloid speculation.