Michael Bolton’s daughters are speaking out about changes they’ve experienced in their life as a result of their father’s diagnosis of brain cancer – and they say their lives have changed for many reasons they did not expect.
Two years after hearing about his glioblastoma, Isa and Taryn state that their father is currently in much better health than many people originally thought. “He’s really been pulling through. His condition is certainly full of hope now.” His strength and mind astound his daughters on even his toughest of days. Though he now has days of fatigue and difficulty, his physical abilities and his thinking remain vigorous, and his outlook on life is sound.
Michael was diagnosed in December of 2023 when a medical crisis led to the detection of the tumor. Not only did he get immediate brain surgery in which the tumor was removed, but subsequent radiation and chemotherapy are also being successfully undertaken since October of last year as he finished the rigorous treatment in October of 2024. The routine today includes regular MRI scans every two months since it is quite common for a recurrence in the case of aggressive forms of cancer.
Since leaving his life on the road, he’s been spending all his time in his home in Connecticut. It’s been very different for this man who was once always on the move, performing somewhere. Now his days are spent living in a different tempo, one that includes silence, meals, and interaction.
His daughters are shouldering caring responsibilities, each in her own way. While one of them takes care of appointments and health needs, the other takes cognizance of emotional needs and the like, along with taking note of job-related tasks. According to them, they have learned how to strike a balance between being sisters and taking on caring responsibilities, which they find full of significance and emotional impact.
They acknowledge the weight of the responsibility can be draining. Some days feel hopeful and full of gratitude, while other days feel overwhelming. They have discovered the value of taking care of themselves too, realizing the value of their own well-being if they plan on being there for their father as he needs them.
Despite the struggles, this stage has also brought the family surprises in the form of gifts, with Michael spending almost every meal with his kids and six grandkids, which was impossible to happen with their busy touring and recoding activities in previous stages of their life. Isa and Taryn say they are appreciating the time they are able to spend with their child through uncertainty, fatigue, and hope. Although the future is uncertain and they do not know what it may hold, they say that this season of slowing down has brought their family even closer together. Their family is one based on love and giving thanks for every day they get to spend together.
