NEW YORK: Pop icon Elvis Costello revealed Friday that he has been treated for cancer but expected a full recovery and announced plans to release his first album in five years.
The 63-year-old singer and guitarist, who emerged from London’s post-punk scene through erudite songs packed with wordplay, said he was canceling the remaining dates on his European tour this month.
“Six weeks ago my specialist called me and said, ‘You should start playing the Lotto.’ He had rarely, if ever, seen such a small but very aggressive cancerous malignancy that could be defeated by a single surgery,” Costello said in a statement on his website.
He did not specify the type of cancer affecting him.
But the singer of hits such as “Alison” and “Veronica” said that he needed three to four weeks to recover and had reluctantly concluded, after going ahead with initial dates, that he should not be touring.
“But I would rather disappoint our friends there by not appearing than in pressing on with a show that is compromised and eventually puts my health at risk,” he said.
Costello also announced that he had finished a “magnificent new record” with his back-up band, The Imposters, and unspecified other collaborators which he expected to be released in October.
The album would be his first since 2013’s “Wise Up Ghost,” on which he worked with the jazz-infused Philadelphia hip-hop ensemble The Roots.
Costello is scheduled to play in September in Chicago at Riot Fest, which focuses on punk and alternative rock, before a wider North American tour in November.
Costello in 2015 released a nearly 700-page memoir, “Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink,” in which the singer with nerdy glasses and a gap in his teeth — whose Elvis stage-name was initially a self-deprecating joke — related his surprise over his rise to stardom.
Elvis Costello reveals cancer diagnosis but plans return
Elvis Costello reveals cancer diagnosis but plans return
Georgina Rodriguez closes out the year with family time, public appearances
- Partner of Ronaldo shares photos of Christmas, holidays
- Speculation they will celebrate New Year’s Day in the UAE
DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez has been marking the end of the year with family in the region, sharing moments from public appearances alongside her longtime partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as quieter holiday time together.
One of those appearances included her attendance at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards 2025, where she showed her support for Ronaldo alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
The footballer was awarded Best Middle East Player 2025, marking his third consecutive win in the category.
For the ceremony, Rodriguez opted for a sleek, body-skimming black evening gown featuring a high neckline and long fitted sleeves, detailed with subtle, evenly spaced embellishments.
She wore her hair long and straight, pairing the look with soft, glowing makeup. The ensemble was completed with statement diamond jewelry, including stud earrings, a sparkling watch and her large oval-cut engagement ring.
Now in its 16th edition, the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony was held at Atlantis The Royal. Ronaldo received the award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
After accepting the trophy, Ronaldo said he was focused on continuing his career and adding to his achievements.
“I want to carry on going. You know what my goal is. I want to win more trophies and I want to reach the number that you all know,” he said. “I will reach that number for sure, if there are no injuries, inshaAllah.”
Currently on 956 career goals following a recent brace against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo is now 44 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal milestone.
Ahead of the event in the UAE, fan spotted Rodriguez with Ronaldo in a casual moment walking at Atlantis. She wore jeans paired with a black top, leather jacket, beige hat and black heels.
The model also shared a short video offering a glimpse into how she celebrated Christmas, showing an intimate, family-focused gathering at home.
The family — including Ronaldo, Rodriguez, Ronaldo Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda — wore matching pajamas and were seen dancing together toward the Christmas tree in the clip.
Fans are still waiting to see where the family will celebrate New Year’s Eve, after spending the occasion in Dubai last year. This has led to speculation that they may remain in the city for the celebrations.
