Barry Manilow has spent decades enchanting audiences with classics like Mandy and Copacabana, but beyond the spotlight, his personal life includes a deeply meaningful relationship with his stepdaughter, Kirsten Kief. Raised in a unique and loving family environment, Kirsten has grown into a successful professional in the entertainment industry while staying true to her values of privacy and family commitment.
Early Life and Family Background
Kirsten Kief was born in August 1976, making her 48 years old in 2025. She is the daughter of Garry Kief and his former partner. When Kirsten was just over a year old, Garry began dating Barry Manilow in 1978. At that time, Manilow was already an emerging music star, but he had never envisioned himself as a father. Over the years, however, his bond with Kirsten grew into a central and rewarding part of his personal life.
Manilow has openly expressed his gratitude for Garry’s presence during his early career and for the family life they built together. While the couple’s relationship remained private for decades, they eventually married in 2014 after same-sex marriage was legalized in California.
Growing Up with Two Fathers
Kirsten’s upbringing was shaped by a strong, supportive household led by Garry Kief and Barry Manilow. Despite the pressures of Manilow’s career, both men prioritized family life. Manilow has often said that helping raise Kirsten brought unexpected joy and fulfillment, even though he never had biological children of his own.
From her earliest years, Kirsten experienced the stability and encouragement that come from a loving home. Her relationship with Manilow was not one of mere obligation — it was a genuine father-daughter bond built on trust, care, and shared experiences.
Education and Career Beginnings
Kirsten followed a path that balanced her personal interests with the family business. She graduated from Whittier College in 2001 with a degree in Sociology, giving her a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics.
Shortly after, she joined Stiletto Entertainment, the company led by her father Garry Kief. Stiletto is a major force in artist management and live entertainment production, with Barry Manilow as one of its most prominent clients. Kirsten’s early involvement in the company reflected both her interest in the entertainment industry and her dedication to contributing to the family’s professional legacy.
Director of Business Services at Stiletto Entertainment
Over the years, Kirsten worked her way up at Stiletto Entertainment, ultimately becoming Director of Business Services. In this role, she oversees operational functions, ensures smooth project execution, and supports the creative vision of the company. Working alongside her father, she has played a role in sustaining Stiletto’s reputation as a respected name in the industry.
Her professional success is a testament to her capability and work ethic. While being connected to two high-profile figures could have led to public recognition, Kirsten has chosen to keep the focus on her work rather than on her last name.
A Low-Profile Public Presence
Although she has occasionally appeared in public alongside Barry Manilow — such as at the 1999 premiere of Cabaret and the 2006 Emmy Awards — Kirsten has largely maintained a low-profile lifestyle. This mirrors Manilow and Garry Kief’s approach to fame: keeping their private lives out of the constant glare of the media.
Kirsten’s decision to remain out of the limelight has allowed her to focus on her career and personal life without the distractions and pressures that often accompany celebrity connections.
Motherhood and a New Chapter for the Family
In October 2023, Kirsten entered a new chapter in her life when she adopted a daughter. This milestone also made Barry Manilow a grandfather for the first time at age 80. Manilow expressed his joy and excitement, noting how rewarding it was to see Kirsten embrace motherhood.
Kirsten’s choice to adopt reflects her values of love, stability, and giving back. Just as she was raised in a home filled with support and care, she is now providing a similar environment for her own child.
Financial Standing and Lifestyle
While Kirsten Kief’s personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, her role as Director of Business Services at Stiletto Entertainment, combined with her decades-long career in the industry, suggests she has achieved significant financial stability. Stiletto’s high-profile client list and consistent success in live entertainment production have undoubtedly contributed to her financial well-being.
She enjoys a lifestyle that blends comfort with privacy, focusing on family life over public attention. Her upbringing and career path have also provided her with strong professional connections and long-term career security.
The Lasting Bond with Barry Manilow
The relationship between Barry Manilow and Kirsten Kief is one built on love rather than biological ties. Manilow has consistently spoken warmly about his role in Kirsten’s life, describing it as one of the most rewarding aspects of his personal journey. Over the years, their shared experiences — from family milestones to professional collaborations — have strengthened their connection.
Manilow’s influence is not just in music but also in the family values he and Garry Kief instilled in Kirsten. These values have helped her navigate a career in entertainment while staying grounded.
