Long before Barry Manilow’s name filled stadiums and airwaves, there was Susan Deixler — the young woman who once called the music icon her husband. Though her story never became tabloid fuel, Susan’s early bond with Barry shaped a small yet significant piece of music history.
Born in Brooklyn in 1944, Susan grew up in a home that valued family and simple traditions. Her teenage years unfolded like many others — high school dances, classes, big dreams. But one ordinary day at Eastern District High School would change the direction of her life when she met Barry Manilow.
Back then, Barry was a senior, Susan a junior. The two teenagers quickly became inseparable. They walked those Brooklyn hallways dreaming of what life could be — Barry with his musical ambition, Susan with her nurturing nature that friends often noted. Their young love story felt like one that might last forever.
A Young Marriage
In 1964, at just 19, Susan married Barry. The wedding was far from showy — no red carpets or flashing cameras, just two young people who believed in each other. Barry was still finding his way in music, and fame was a distant idea. For a while, it seemed like they might build that dream life together.
But young love has its challenges. Two years later, in 1966, their marriage came to an unexpected end through an annulment. Barry would later share publicly how he struggled with his sexuality during that time, something he hadn’t fully come to terms with yet. That conflict played a big role in their separation. Even so, the two managed to part ways with respect, carrying no bitterness — a rare example of grace for such a young couple.
Life After Barry
Unlike many who might have chased the shadow of fame, Susan chose a different route. After her marriage ended, she stepped away from the music scene entirely. Instead, she focused on building a life rooted in family and healing.
Susan moved to California, settled down in a quiet town, and eventually remarried for a time. She became a devoted mother to two children, Pauline and Danny. Friends say her children were always her greatest pride — a world far from the flashing lights of entertainment.
A Healer at Heart
While Barry’s career soared — hit songs, sold-out tours, and millions of fans — Susan created her own legacy behind the scenes. She found her calling in holistic healing. She worked mainly with older adults, providing both physical and emotional support. Her neighbors and clients describe her as deeply compassionate, someone who truly listened and cared.
In an age where many chase status and attention, Susan’s life has always been about quiet contribution. She never gave interviews or tried to profit from her short time in the limelight. She kept her focus on family and community, becoming a respected figure in her small circle.
Financial Life
Though her brief marriage to Barry connects her to a fortune — his net worth has been estimated at over $100 million — Susan’s own financial standing reflects a more modest reality. There’s never been evidence of a lavish lifestyle or big settlements. Her comfortable life comes more from her work and simple living than any ties to Barry’s success.
A Rare Glimpse Into Her Story
While Susan avoids the public eye, curiosity about her story never really fades. Fans of Barry Manilow sometimes wonder about the “what ifs.” What if they had stayed together? Would Barry’s music have sounded the same? Would Susan have chosen a different path?
Despite these questions, the truth is that both moved forward in ways that felt true to who they were. Barry came to terms with his identity, eventually marrying his longtime manager Garry Kief. He’s spoken kindly of Susan when asked, acknowledging her role during a formative time in his life.
Susan, for her part, never sought to reshape that narrative. She didn’t write tell-alls or chase reality shows. She’s never tried to cash in on her link to fame. Her life today, now that she’s approaching her 80s, reflects that same desire for peace and privacy. She stays involved in her local community, enjoys time with her grown children, and cherishes the simple joys she’s always valued.
Why Her Story Still Matters
Susan Deixler’s name may not pop up in headlines often, but her short chapter with Barry Manilow shaped a turning point for them both. Their teenage romance and young marriage show that fame doesn’t always define a person’s worth or story.
Susan’s choice to step out of the spotlight reminds us that happiness often comes quietly — through family, meaningful work, and staying true to yourself when the world expects you to do otherwise.
Today, fans might still wonder about the high school girl who married the man who would one day write some of pop’s biggest love songs. But to those who know her, Susan is simply a kind neighbor, a loving mom, and a gentle healer — a woman who chose her own version of a good life.
