Soul legend Gladys Knight has announced she will be easing into fewer performances, following a series of concert videos that appeared to show her dazed and confused on stage.
Taking to Instagram, the 82-year-old issued a statement regarding her future, saying she would be focusing on 'transitioning into the next stage of my career and life moving forward.' She added that she would be spending more time on projects with her husband and visiting with her grandbabies.
Statement to fans
In the statement, Knight thanked her fans 'over this last three quarters of a century for making a little girl's dream come true.' She clarified that her intent to scale back was not an official retirement announcement, saying: 'I hope to see your smiling faces out and about and on the road.'
The announcement followed a story on US site TMZ claiming that her fans and members of her team were furious that she was being 'forced' to tour.
Family allegations and rebuttal
During her August 18 show at Detroit's Fisher Theatre, Knight took multiple breaks and appeared exhausted, prompting some audience members to leave before the end.
Her son Shanga Hankerson has alleged his mum was suffering from cognitive decline and was touring against her will. Speaking in 2025, he claimed her 'angelic' personality had turned more aggressive, saying she was 'being made to think that she needs to work.'
Knight's publicist Laura Herlovich hit back, saying they were 'greatly saddened by Shanga's unfounded allegations,' as he allegedly 'has had no substantial contact with her.'
Husband's response
Knight's husband and manager, William McDowell, also pushed back on the dementia claims, telling TMZ that Knight has not been diagnosed with the condition and will see a doctor for an evaluation.
McDowell, who is reportedly 33 years his wife's junior, said Knight wants to keep performing but has 'good days and bad,' adding: 'No one is ever gonna make me say, “My wife is well,” but all she wants to do is sing.'
Knight has earned seven Grammy Awards throughout her career, while also earning a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction with the Pips and a Kennedy Center Honour.
