Barry Manilow speaks about being gay for the first time at age 73

Barry Manilow has revealed he never came out as gay because he thought his fans would be disappointed.

The Mandy singer discussed his sexuality in a recent interview with People, and admitted that he has been married to a man for 39 years now.

"I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything.

.@barrymanilow reveals why he didn’t come out as gay for decades https://t.co/NK0Pt1XYwm pic.twitter.com/p6gPuB0oTK

— People Magazine (@people) April 5, 2017

“I’m so private. I always have been.”

But, when a few close fans found out Barry had met his partner, Garry Keif, they couldn't be more delighted.

“When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”

After blasting into the limelight in the 70s and 80s with songs such as Copacabana and Looks Like We Made It, he met Garry and knew he was the one.

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 knew that this was it. I was one of the lucky ones. I was pretty lonely before that.

“He’s the smartest person I’ve ever met in my life — and a great guy, too," Barry told the publication.