Michael Bolton Is Fighting for His Life — Meet the Woman Giving Him Strength

The ex-Blackjack frontman once said his partner "brightens up" his world, and together, the previously married pair now share a blended family. After being diagnosed with cancer, he leaned on his loved ones while facing the difficult journey.

In the fall of 2023, Michael Bolton was enjoying peaceful moments with his family when an unforeseen health issue surfaced. He later opened up about his condition in a candid interview and the comfort he found in the woman he deeply cares for.

While enjoying a night of bowling with his children and grandchildren, the singer kept bowling out of turn — repeating it several times. His daughter Taryn Bolton, 45, later described the moment as "super weird," in an interview, adding it became clear something was off. The 45-year-old explained:

"That was when we were like, 'Something's wrong with his brain.' Everything that happened was weird for him but not super alarming. When you look back at everything together … We missed so many things."

That strange night at the bowling alley soon made more sense. After dealing with sudden nausea, trouble keeping his balance, including a bad headache, Michael went to the hospital. An MRI revealed a brain tumor, which was completely taken out during surgery. About a week later, doctors gave the official diagnosis — glioblastoma, an uncommon and fast-growing type of brain cancer.

The diagnosis marked only the beginning of a tough road. In January 2024, Michael needed a second brain surgery due to an infection. After wrapping up radiation and chemotherapy by October, he began regular MRIs every two months to keep an eye on any signs of the tumor coming back.

His early April 2025 scan showed no new growth, but since glioblastoma has a high chance — around 90 percent — of returning, doctors are keeping a close watch.

The songwriter later shared how much it meant to have his family beside him through it all as he faced each stage of his diagnosis. According to him, treatments affected his speech, movement, and memory. He said:

"You're reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought, Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You're really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess that's the way you find out what you're made of."

Despite the challenges, the father of three finds strength in connection and the comfort of those around him. "Whenever you find yourself in any kind of challenging position, just to know that you're not alone going through it is a big deal," he shared. Michael also explained that he has chosen not to receive a prognosis, focusing instead on staying hopeful, "It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they're not alone."

He now spends most of his days at home in Westport, Connecticut, where he has lived for over three decades. Time with family has become especially meaningful — alongside his youngest daughter, Taryn, he also shares his life with eldest daughter Isa, 49, and Holly Bolton, 47, who described his health experience "unimaginably scary."

His six grandchildren — Amelia, 14, Olivia, 13, Dylan, 11, Grayson, 10, River, 9, and Jack, 8 — often gather with him for trivia nights, filling the home with laughter and warmth. Taryn said:

"We're in this together, and that's it."

Family remains at the center of Michael's life, and his bond with his children, who often laugh about his '80s style, is clear. "My daughters never cease to amaze me!!!" he once said.

Alongside the deep pride he holds for his daughters, the two-time Grammy winner also treasures his relationship with his girlfriend, Heather Kerzner. The two had been close for nearly 15 years before their friendship grew into something more during the summer of 2022.

They appeared together publicly for the first time as a couple in February 2023. Michael dished on the couple's relationship in a July interview that same year:

"It's been very natural — a kind of checking all the boxes. My work takes up a lot of space, and I've been learning what the whole process is of having someone who really brightens up your life."

Even after stepping out as a couple at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles that February, Michael remains guarded when it comes to his private life. "How cautious am I in talking about this?" he mused, but did admit, "the people I love bring me a lot of happiness."

Though careful with what he shares about his current relationship, Michael's history includes meaningful chapters of love and family. He was once married to Maureen McGuire, the mother of his daughters Isa, Taryn, and Holly.

Their marriage ended in 1990, and two years later, Michael began dating actress Nicollette Sheridan. Although they parted ways after five years, the two rekindled their romance in the 2000s, announced their engagement in 2006, and ended it two years later in 2008.

When looking back on that long-running connection, Michael admitted it was not easy to define, "It's just something that happens with you and somebody in your life." Describing the on-and-off nature of their bond, which stretched over 17 years, he added with a touch of humor, "I was five of course, when it started."

Heather also brings her own story — she has two children and was formerly married to Sol Kerzner, a well-known hotel and casino magnate. The couple married in 2000, but their relationship came to an end in 2011. A year later, Heather — once dubbed one of the world's greatest experts on luxury — spoke openly about their split.

She attributed the breakdown of their 11-year union to Sol's nonstop work schedule, describing him as someone who "works all the time, travels all the time and kind of had his business be the most important thing in his life."

At the time, Sol, who had been married three times before, had already moved out of the family's townhouse overlooking Holland Park. In divorce filings at the High Court in London, Heather cited unreasonable behavior and was reportedly set to receive a significant settlement.

Despite the public nature of their split, Heather acknowledged that much of their time together had been fulfilling, "Our marriage was very good for most of the time, we were very happy, so the breakdown has been very sad for both of us. Really sad."

Following the end of her marriage to the South African businessman, the socialite became briefly engaged to former Bell Pottinger CEO James Henderson.

After her brief engagement, Heather eventually found new love with Michael — but as their relationship continues to grow, marriage has not yet entered the picture. Long before they became a couple, the celebrity had shared his thoughts in an interview on marrying again:

"I've been married before and I'd get married again. Marriage is the expression and physical manifestation of a mutual, deep bond and serious commitment between two people. I believe in marriage."

He believed that the strength of any marriage depended on the quality of the relationship. To him, it was more than just a certificate — it was about choosing someone to be a lover, partner, confidant, and closest friend for life.

Michael also felt that chemistry and mutual respect were essential, as every relationship would face challenges and difficult moments. His view on relationships also extended to modern dating culture, which he found both amusing and insightful.

The Connecticut native once described dating over the years as "fun," "exciting," and at times, "highly illuminating and deeply stimulating — or not so much!" While his friends explored Tinder and similar apps, Michael admitted they weren't for him.

"To me, it's strange only because I'm not participating in it," he noted, acknowledging that each generation has its own way of forming connections. He didn't criticize those seeking short-term flings, "I don't judge those only looking for someone for a night or a weekend, because then I'd sound like my father!"

In his eyes, that shift was simply part of the current era. Still, the now-72-year-old believes that love remains "the most powerful experience you can have," even if younger people using these platforms might take longer to realize it.

Michael Bolton's life has been defined by personal trials, family bonds, and the steady presence of love in various forms. From health battles to meaningful relationships, each chapter has revealed what matters most to him.

His connection with Heather, support from his daughters, and time with his grandchildren continue to anchor his days. Despite public attention, he remains grounded in values built through experience, clarity, and choice.