The entertainment world continues to honor Barry Manilow and Garry Kief, a couple whose partnership stands as one of the most enduring and inspiring in the history of show business. As of December 2025, they remain together after more than four decades, a rare and heartwarming example of loyalty, trust, and love in the spotlight. Their story goes beyond fame—it’s a reflection of resilience, deep respect, and shared purpose that has kept them united through every chapter of their remarkable lives.
The Beginning of an Extraordinary Bond
Barry Manilow, born on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, became one of the most recognizable voices in American music during the 1970s. With classics such as “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa),” he defined an era of emotional pop ballads and unmatched stage presence. During the height of his career in 1978, Manilow met Garry Kief—a television executive with a keen business sense and an unshakable calmness that immediately drew them together.
Their connection began professionally but quickly grew into something more meaningful. Kief became Manilow’s trusted manager, helping him navigate the demanding world of entertainment while quietly supporting him behind the scenes. What began as a partnership in business evolved into a life partnership that would eventually span nearly half a century.
The Private Wedding That Captured Hearts
In 2014, after decades of love and companionship, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief married in a private ceremony at their Palm Springs home. The event was intimate, attended only by close friends and family. The couple kept their marriage private for about a year before the news became public in 2015, leading to an outpouring of love from fans around the world.
When Manilow later discussed their marriage publicly, he explained that they had kept it quiet out of a desire for privacy, not secrecy. He shared how overwhelmed he was by the warmth and support they received once the story became known. That moment symbolized a new chapter for both men—a balance between their private life and their openness with fans.
Life in Palm Springs: A Peaceful Retreat
Today, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief live primarily in Palm Springs, California, a city known for its vibrant artistic culture and deep connection to music and film. Their home is described by visitors as serene and elegant, filled with memorabilia from Manilow’s five-decade career.
Palm Springs also holds a special place in their hearts because of its strong sense of community. The couple occasionally attends charity galas and local events supporting arts education, health care, and LGBTQ+ causes. They’re seen not as celebrities but as respected neighbors who contribute quietly to the community they’ve called home for years.
Their home life, as described by friends, is a reflection of who they are—modest, loving, and centered on simple pleasures: good food, classic films, and evenings spent listening to music.
Garry Kief: The Power Behind the Curtain
While Barry Manilow remains one of the most visible icons in pop culture, Garry Kief is the steady hand guiding much of the work behind the scenes. As president and CEO of Stiletto Entertainment, Kief oversees Manilow’s concerts, television specials, and production ventures.
His background in television marketing and production has been instrumental in shaping the business side of Manilow’s career. Kief’s leadership style is known for being methodical and calm, which complements Manilow’s creative energy. Together, they’ve built a business empire that includes live performances, record releases, television productions, and philanthropic projects.
Their professional synergy is remarkable. Kief manages the logistics and financials, while Manilow focuses on artistry and audience connection. The result is a seamless partnership that has lasted longer than most Hollywood marriages—and longer than many business collaborations in the entertainment industry.
Barry Manilow’s Music in 2025
At 82 years old, Barry Manilow remains as passionate about performing as ever. His long-running Las Vegas residency, “Barry Manilow: The Hits Come Home!”, continues to fill seats at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Extended through 2026, the show has become one of the city’s most consistent draws, proving that timeless music never fades from popularity.
Manilow’s 2025 shows blend nostalgia with storytelling. Between songs, he shares memories from his journey in music, stories about his songwriting process, and anecdotes that show his humor and humility. Fans across multiple generations attend these performances—many of whom have followed him since the 1970s.
Recent months have also seen Manilow working on new arrangements of his classic hits, ensuring they stay fresh while preserving their emotional essence. The live band, colorful stage design, and warm atmosphere make his shows feel more like celebrations than concerts.
A Relationship Rooted in Respect
One of the key reasons Barry Manilow and Garry Kief have endured as a couple is their mutual respect. They have built a relationship based on shared values rather than public image. Despite the demands of the entertainment industry, they’ve maintained a commitment to privacy, which has helped them stay grounded.
Manilow has often said that Kief is his anchor—the person who keeps him centered through fame’s chaos. Their daily life revolves around ordinary routines: walks, dinners with friends, and long conversations about music and business.
The couple’s partnership demonstrates that even in the entertainment world, stability and sincerity can thrive. They’ve shown that success doesn’t require constant publicity or spectacle; instead, it flourishes in quiet consistency.
Support for Music and Education
Together, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief dedicate significant time to philanthropy. Their joint efforts through the Manilow Music Project have provided thousands of instruments to underfunded schools across the United States. Since its founding in 2008, the initiative has expanded every year, focusing on keeping music education alive for younger generations.
In 2025, the project reached new milestones by supporting over 100 schools and donating more than 10,000 musical instruments. Both Manilow and Kief are deeply involved—Manilow in public outreach and performances, and Kief in managing operations and donations.
This shared mission reflects their belief in giving back through art. It’s one of the most meaningful extensions of their life together—a way to use their success to inspire and empower others.
LGBTQ+ Visibility and Representation
Although neither Barry Manilow nor Garry Kief sought to become activists, their relationship naturally represents progress in LGBTQ+ visibility. Their marriage and long-term partnership have been celebrated by fans and advocacy groups as a symbol of love prevailing in a time when many public figures once felt pressure to hide who they were.
Their story is particularly powerful because it’s grounded in authenticity. They never turned their relationship into a publicity tool; instead, they let their love speak for itself. For many fans, especially older LGBTQ+ individuals who grew up during less accepting decades, Manilow and Kief represent hope and courage.
Their openness today also encourages a new generation of artists to embrace honesty in their personal and professional lives.
Recent Public Appearances
In 2025, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief have made a handful of joint appearances at concerts and charity events. They were recently seen together at a fundraising gala supporting arts programs in Southern California, where attendees noted their warmth and humor.
During Manilow’s shows in Las Vegas, Kief occasionally joins him backstage, ensuring the performances run smoothly. While he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, fans know his presence is integral to the magic that unfolds on stage each night.
The couple’s enduring energy and shared focus are evident even in these public settings. Manilow still performs with enthusiasm, and Kief’s quiet strength remains the foundation behind it all.
Achievements That Define a Legacy
Barry Manilow’s accomplishments stretch far beyond chart-topping hits. He has sold more than 85 million records worldwide, earned multiple Grammy nominations, and received special honors for lifetime achievement. His work as a songwriter and arranger continues to influence pop and adult contemporary music.
Behind every milestone, Garry Kief has played a vital role—coordinating tours, managing productions, and ensuring the business side supports the creative one. Together, they’ve created a model of sustainable success in entertainment, where personal happiness aligns with professional fulfillment.
Their shared legacy is more than musical—it’s personal. Their devotion to each other, their charitable work, and their ability to maintain integrity in a changing industry make them a powerful example of what true partnership can achieve.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As they approach 2026, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief continue to plan for the future with optimism. Manilow’s residency in Las Vegas remains strong, and discussions of a new live album have circulated in fan communities. Meanwhile, Stiletto Entertainment continues to manage productions and explore new media opportunities.
The couple remains active, creative, and connected to their community. While they no longer seek the intense spotlight that defined Manilow’s early years, they continue to inspire millions through their actions, kindness, and enduring relationship.
Barry Manilow and Garry Kief prove that love, respect, and partnership can stand the test of time—both on stage and in life. Their story remains one of the most genuine and uplifting in entertainment, a reminder that true connection never fades.
