Michael Bolton about having a “House of Laughter” in the midst of cancer (exclusive)

• Michael Bolton opens up to people in an exclusive interview that his family has helped keep his mood up in the middle of his cancer battle
• The musician, who is the father of three daughters and six grandchildren, was diagnosed with glioblastoma 2023
• “I just feel better to have them there,” says Bolton

As Michael Bolton Handles one of the toughest challenges in his life, he is grateful to have the support of his closest and dearest.

The Grammy winning singer, 72, reveals the details of his 2023 glioblastomy diagnosis For the first time in this week’s people covers the story – and makes it clear that his three daughters and six grandchildren are a huge part of his story.

“It is unthinkable to move forward without my family being so aboard,” he says. “There is a certain amount of light. I just feel better to have them there. This is a house of laughter, thankfully.”

Adds daughter Taryn: “We are to this together, and that is. … We trust each other and we have become really close.”

Bolton emphasizes that humor is “so important” to keep his mood up – and he is really a hit with grandchildren Amelia, 14, Olivia, 13, Dylan, 11, Grayson, 10, River, 9 and Jack, 8.

“My kids think he’s so fun, and I think he loves it,” says Taryn, 45. “When he makes people laugh, he is at the top of the world. … This house was quiet all my life. Now there is so much sound, but it is so nice, because it feels more alive.”

Daughter Holly, 47, adds that the family often collects dinners and trivia game evenings together in Bolton’s home in Westport, Conn., Where he lived for more than 30 years (Bolton shares Holly, Taryn and Isa, 49, with ex-wife Maureen McGuire.)

“It gives him so much joy. He entertains the children and laughs. His answer is funny, and when he comes up with a role and notices the children laugh, he just continues,” she says.

“How should I live without you?” Singer has had his speech, mobility and short -term memory that is affected by his chemotherapy and radiation treatments, As he completed in October. But his determination remains as strong as ever, even before Glioblastoma’s frightening statistics. (The recidivism speed of a glioblastoma is 90%.)

“I want to continue. I feel there is still much to do on the fight side,” he says. “I got a title for a song: ‘Ain’t Going Down Without a Fight.’ ”

The star has long been private about her personal life, but Bolton shares his experience in the hope that someone on a similar journey, fighting a shared enemy, will find comfort in their words.

“When you are in some kind of challenging position, just knowing that you are not alone to go through, it is a big deal,” he says. “It actually helps people know. It reminds them that they are not alone.”

For more about Michael Bolton, pick up the latest issue of people, on newspaper kiosks Friday, or subscribe here.