A former contestant from “Dancing with the Stars” has opened up about his journey of navigating a difficult cancer diagnosis. Season 11 DWTS alum Michael Bolton shared he now has a “heightened sense of appreciation” about life after receiving his glioblastoma diagnosis in December 2023.
Michael Bolton Seeks to Make the Most out of Life Now
On April 30, People shared their interview with Bolton. The outlet noted that the singer’s glioblastoma diagnosis came after an emergency surgery he had in December 2023. In the months since the diagnosis and a second surgery in January 2024, Bolton has experienced changes and limitations with his mobility, speech, and short-term memory.
Despite the difficulties, Bolton told People, “Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You’re really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess that’s the way you find out what you’re made of.”
Bolton noted, “I find comfort in general more easily” these days. “[The whole experience] gives me a heightened sense of appreciation.”
Now, he finds, “It’s unthinkable for it to be okay not to make the most of your life.”
The “Dancing with the Stars” alum shares that “You have to be a cheerleader for yourself,” and figure out how to “make the best out of a bad situation.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, glioblastoma is “a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord.” The National Brain Tumor Society notes that glioblastoma tends to be “treatment-resistant,” and the prognosis is often poor.
This is the same type of cancer that Beau Biden and John McCain both had.
The DWTS Alum Noted His Gratitude for His Fans
Bolton took to Instagram after People released its interview. He thanked his fans for their patience, support, and love, and wrote, “I’ve drawn strength from your encouragement.”
He added, “I continue to draw strength from it every day as I move forward on this journey.”
People shared that doctors were able to remove Bolton’s tumor in the initial surgery done in December 2023. The subsequent surgery in January 2024 took place to manage an infection.
Bolton wrapped up radiation and chemotherapy treatments in October 2024 and now has MRIs every couple of months to check for a recurrence.
As of Bolton’s April MRI, the glioblastoma had not returned. However, glioblastoma has a high recurrence rate, so doctors monitor the singer closely.
Fans flooded Bolton with support after he shared his latest health update.
“I admire him and send him healing vibes. He seems like a good guy,” one fan wrote on Instagram.
Another fan commented, “Michael! You made this world a kinder place … Sending you my love and prayers for healing!”
Someone else added, “This just breaks my heart! Prayers for this amazing man!”
