Singer Barry Manilow has spoken for the first time about being gay.
Manilow, 73, said he “never did anything” to address speculation about his private life for fear of disappointing his fans.
But in an interview with People Magazine the music icon speaks openly his sexuality.
“I’m so private. I always have been. I thought I would be disappointing them [fans] if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything.”
Barry married his long term partner Garry Kief in 2014.
When the news broke of the couples wedding, Manilow says he found the publics reaction “heartening”.
“When they found out Garry and I were together, they were so happy.” Barry tells People.
“The reaction was so beautiful – strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”
The couple who first met back in 1978 have been together for nearly 40 years.
Talking about his husband Mr Manilow says “he is the smartest person I’ve ever met in my life – and a great guy, too.”
“I knew that this was it, I was one of the lucky ones. I was pretty lonely before that.”
Manilow and Kief married in a secret ceremony in California, in April 2014.
However news of the couples marriage only came to light the following year, which Barry describes as “a blessing and a curse”.
Barry took to Twitter earlier today to thank fans for their support.
Thank you to my fans for the years of support. My story is out and I look forward to many more years of sharing my music. https://t.co/fRA9BPwqIU
— Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) April 5, 2017
I'm loving all of your responses. You guys are truly the greatest.
— Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) April 5, 2017
Barry Manilow has been releasing music and entertaining fans for over 50 years now.
Famous for hits such as Copacabana, Mandy and Can’t Smile Without You, he has sold over 80 million records worldwide.
Barry Manilow releases his 29th studio album, This is My Town, on April 21st.
Let us know your thoughts on Barry’s story over on Twitter @CelebMix