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Barry Manilow: From Dating to Stepparenting and Beyond
2024-12-20
Performer Barry Manilow embarked on a remarkable journey when he began dating Garry Kief in 1978. This led to him becoming a stepdad to Kirsten Kief, a story that has unfolded over the years.

Uncovering the Family Ties of Barry Manilow and Garry Kief

She was born in 1976

In 1976, Garry Kief welcomed his daughter Kirsten with a former partner. Two years later, their lives took an unexpected turn as Garry began dating the iconic musician Barry Manilow. This connection has endured for decades, shaping their lives in ways they could never have imagined.Since that time, Kirsten has grown into a young woman with her own life and experiences. She has followed in her father's footsteps to some extent, as she now works in the entertainment industry.

Manilow has been part of Kirsten’s life since she was a toddler

Although Barry Manilow and Garry Kief officially tied the knot in 2014, their relationship began in 1978. This means that Kirsten has had Manilow as a parent figure throughout her entire life.Manilow has shared his thoughts on this unique situation, stating, "Garry and I have been together going on 40 years, and we raised a daughter. She turned out to be a great, beautiful girl... Our relationship and my being gay - I've always been a proud gay man. I've always been very proud of Garry and I."

Manilow married Kirsten’s father Garry in 2014

The wedding of Barry Manilow and Garry Kief in 2014 was a surprise to many. It took place at their Palm Springs home, with only 20 to 30 guests in attendance. They thought they were simply meeting for lunch, but instead, they witnessed a beautiful union.Manilow later reflected on the emotional significance of the event, saying, "It was deeper than we thought it was going to be, looking at each other, saying, 'I love you' in front of people."

Kirsten is a mother of one

In 2023, a momentous event occurred when Manilow revealed that Kirsten had become a mother. "Garry's daughter Kirsten adopted a little girl, and so I'm now a grandfather," the "Copacabana 1985" singer told PEOPLE.This new chapter in their lives has brought a sense of joy and wonder. Manilow added, "I've never, ever thought about having a baby or having anything to do with [being] a father or any of that. I'm watching this little girl - she's 2½ - grow up and learn."

She works in the entertainment industry

Garry Kief is the president and CEO of Stiletto Entertainment, an influential entertainment agency based in Los Angeles. Kirsten, after graduating from Whittier College in 2001, followed in her father's footsteps and joined the family business.She now works as the Director of Business Services at Stiletto and has spent a decade at the company. This shows her dedication and commitment to the entertainment industry.

Kirsten has stayed out of the public eye

Despite Barry Manilow's public career, Kirsten has managed to stay out of the spotlight for the most part. However, she has made a few appearances with the singer at red carpet events over the years, such as the 2014 Emmy Awards.This shows that she values her privacy while still being a part of her family's public life. It is a delicate balance that she has managed to maintain.
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