Julio Iglesias breaks silence about health concerns and talks about new Netflix series

Julio Iglesias is putting an end to the latest round of health concerns. The iconic singer, known for his life out of the spotlight, has been the target of recent speculation, including retirement from music and reports of serious health deterioration.

Now the 81-year-old star is speaking up to set the record straight. In a recent conversation with ¡HOLA! Spain, the singer dismissed these reports, insisting that none of the rumors affect him. “They’ve killed me a thousand times, they’ve retired me about twenty thousand times, they’ve made me sick just as many… This is the same old story,” he said in a phone call, brushing off the rumors that his health is in decline.

The rumors were sparked by comments made by Iglesias' longtime friend, journalist Carlos Herrera, who recently revealed on a television program that the singer was battling spinal issues related to osteoblastoma, a benign tumor that often affects the spine. 

© Juan Manuel Serrano Arce

The comments left fans concerned about the musician's well-being. “I love Carlos very much, and I don’t blame him for anything. Our friendship is wonderful… But I do have to qualify his words,” he said, offering a deeper look into his past health history.

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In a detailed explanation, the singer shared that he had indeed experienced a benign tumor called osteoblastoma. “It formed on my back, affecting my dorsal nervous system and my legs,” he explained. “I underwent surgery for that tumor in 1963, and a year and a half later, I was fully recovered and studying peacefully and happily in Cambridge."

© Europa Press Entertainment

Far from being bothered by the misunderstanding, Iglesias expressed his gratitude for the public's concern, interpreting it as a sign of love and affection. “I’m sorry there was this mistake, which, in reality, has only served to make me feel the deep and genuine affection I’ve had for so many years from so many people,” he said.

The singer shared a light-hearted update on his current life. “I’m happy here in the Bahamas with my wife, and I just swam in the pool like a fish being chased by a shark,” he joked.

© Juan Manuel Serrano Arce

“There’s no retiring,” he told ¡HOLA! Spain. “I’m working hard on the Netflix series about my life. In a few days, I have a meeting with senior executives to continue the project... That’s not retiring, it’s continuing to work.”

"I’m in great shape and happy,” he concluded. For the star, the path forward is all about new opportunities. “Today, after having sung all over the world my whole life, I believe my soul has found a new path that has made me happy for so many years," he concluded.