Barry Manilow, the pop icon known for hits like “Mandy,” kept a 39-year relationship with Garry Kief, a TV executive, secret for decades. Despite being a heartthrob for female fans, Manilow revealed his relationship at age 71, when he and Kief married in a private ceremony.

Manilow’s first love was Susan Deixler, his high school sweetheart, whom he married at 21. However, their marriage ended after two years, as Manilow admitted, “I wasn’t ready to settle down.” His music career took off after their separation, leading him to meet Kief in 1978.

Though Manilow found “the one” in Kief, they kept their relationship hidden to avoid negative press. The couple remained private for decades, with Manilow stating, “It was very difficult to do that [back then].” Their bond, built on respect, has lasted over 40 years, raising Kief’s biological daughter together.

In 2014, Manilow and Kief married secretly, and while Manilow was initially hesitant to go public, he was touched by fans’ supportive reactions. Reflecting on his life, Manilow said, “I could not be prouder of being a gay man and having a beautiful life and a great partner for 40 years.”