Gladys Knight, 82, has announced that she will be reducing her performance schedule as she transitions into a new phase of her career and life. In a statement released on Thursday night, Knight expressed her intention to ease into fewer performances while focusing on personal projects and spending time with family.
Knight thanked her fans for their support throughout her 75-year career, which began when she was seven years old performing with the Pips. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill her dreams and hopes to see her fans in the future.
The decision to cut back comes after recent performances raised concerns about her health. Reports indicated that during her August 18 show at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, Knight appeared exhausted and took multiple breaks, leading some audience members to leave early. At a July 25 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, she seemed to lose her place during a song, prompting intervention from a backup singer.
Concerns were heightened during an April 25 show with Smokey Robinson in Las Vegas, where staff reportedly feared she was showing symptoms of dementia. However, her husband and manager, William McDowell, refuted these claims, stating that Knight has not been diagnosed with dementia and will seek medical evaluation. McDowell noted that Knight wishes to continue performing but experiences varying health days.
Knight has performances scheduled through November, with her next concert on September 4 at the Riverfront Jazz Festival in Dallas. This announcement follows allegations made by her son, Shanga Hankerson, against McDowell regarding emotional and financial abuse, which Knight previously addressed by stating her health had been misrepresented.
Throughout her career, Knight has received seven Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Pips, and received a Kennedy Center Honor.