Who is Barry Manilow’s husband, Garry Kief? Singer says he was “insulted” by fan reaction when he officially came out

With songs like “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Could It Be Magic,” Barry Manilow has kept fans entertained for over six decades. However, behind the spotlight and grand pianos, Manilow’s husband, manager, and life partner for over four decades, Garry Kief, remained largely out of the spotlight for many.

Manilow disclosed he was gay in 2017, which is something a good number of fans had suspected for a long time, but the outcome, or rather the lack of surprise, left him bewildered.

“I Was a Little Insulted” — Coming out after decades in the spotlight

Manilow, the famous American singer and songwriter, gave an interview to the the LA Times in April 2025. He mentioned that he came out as gay at the age of 73.

"I thought it was going to be a big deal," he said, reflecting on his 2017 PEOPLE magazine cover story. “I was a little insulted — nobody was surprised!”

The remark may be considered a joke, but in reality, it tells a deeper story of Garry Kief’s relationship with Manilow — something fans have quietly accepted for a long time now.

“I never once got a negative response. I was so grateful for that,” Manilow added. “The fans were so supportive. Strangers saying, ‘Great for you!’ That was beautiful.”

Meeting Garry: A love story that began in 1978

Kief and Manilow met in 1978. One interesting fact is that Kief had no idea about Manilow’s famous music career, which was actually a relief to the artist.

"I was one of the lucky ones," Manilow told PEOPLE. "I was pretty lonely before that… Garry was a guy, and I was a guy. So we could just deal with each other like two normal people."

Kief, immediately after becoming romantically involved, started managing him as well, and has been doing so since then.

The quiet wedding and life in palm springs

After being together for 36 years, the couple tied the knot in a subtle, surprise ceremony at their Palm Springs estate in April 2014. Close friends and family, numbering 20 to 30, were invited, most thinking it was just a lunch invitation.

“It was deeper than we thought it was going to be, looking at each other, saying ‘I love you’ in front of people,” he said.

Palm Springs has been their sanctuary.

“My life is so filled with noise,” Manilow said, referring to his hectic career. “I needed to be able to come home to a place where it was peaceful.”

More than a husband — A life and career partner

Kief wears many hats, Manilow’s husband, the president and CEO of Stiletto Entertainment, and the manager of several celebrities, including jazz singer Matt Dusk and Lorna Luft, Judy Garland's daughter. He also holds the position of trustee of the Judy Garland Heirs Trust.

“He’s the smartest person I’ve ever met in my life — and a great guy, too,” Manilow has said.

Their longtime friend, the late Suzanne Somers, once told PEOPLE:

“It takes enormous savvy and know-how to book and market complicated arena tours… and that part is Garry’s domain. A major career takes two. Between them, there is enormous comfort and trust.”

A Grandfather, Too

When Kief and Manilow first met, Kief’s daughter, Kirsten, was only a year old. They both raised her, and in the past few years, they have transitioned into a modern role as grandparents.

In a 2023 interview, Manilow spoke about the delight he and Garry feel when watching their granddaughter, adopted by Kirsten, during her developmental years.

“This is just an unbelievable experience. I never thought I’d be a grandfather,” he said.

Why Barry kept his private life private — until he couldn’t anymore

Manilow has always preferred to keep his life private, especially during his most prominent career years in the ’70s and ’80s.

“I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay,” he said of his fans.

If the public found out he was gay, it could have been career-ending.

“Back then, you couldn’t even say the word ‘gay,’” he told LA Times. “It was a very, very difficult life for people like me… And if you’re in the music business, one whisper and you’re done.”

He was quickly received with nothing but kindness and support after coming out.

“These people, these strangers — they care for me. Isn’t it odd? I’m just a musician who sings. And these people care about my happiness.”

Stronger than ever — Onstage and off

In the early ’80s, Barry revealed he is not likely to stop anytime soon. A lifetime residency at the Westgate Las Vegas was planned for 2024, as well as five consecutive shows at New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall.

“I don’t understand why I still can do it,” he admitted.

While Garry Kief remains his husband, manager, and best friend, it appears Manilow has found both his rhythm and his peace.