HEALTHGladys Knight, 82, Says She's Entering a 'New Era' as She Cuts Back on Performing Amid Health Questions
Gladys Knight announced a new chapter as she reduced her performances and focused on family and future projects.
Aug. 28 2026, Updated 12:56 p.m. ET
Gladys Knight scaled back her performing schedule as she prepared to focus more on her family and other priorities.
"I’ll be spending more time on projects with my husband and visiting with my grandbabies and am looking forward to this new era," she said.
The 82-year-old music legend's decision came in an Instagram statement shared on Thursday night, August 27.
"After much soul searching I’ve decided that I will be easing into fewer performances while focusing on transitioning into the next stage of my career and life moving forward," Knight revealed.
Gladys Knight planned to spend more time with her husband and grandbabies, indulging in her 'new era.'
Knight also reflected on the fans who had followed her career since she began performing with the Pips at age 7.
"I'd like to take a moment, in advance, to thank all my fans over this last three quarters of a century for making a little girl’s dream come true and supporting her every step of the way," she said.
Knight added, "I am immensely grateful to all of you and send my eternal love back to you. I hope to see your smiling faces out and about and on the road. G-- bless all of you and hope to see you soon."
Gladys Knight Faced Questions During Recent Shows
Gladys Knight appeared to lose her place during her performance of 'Midnight Train to Georgia,' at her appearance in Hollywood Bowl.
Knight’s announcement followed reports that some of her recent performances prompted concern among members of her touring team.
Per TMZ, at an August 18 show at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, Knight reportedly took several breaks and appeared tired during the performance. Some audience members reportedly left before the concert ended.
A July 25 appearance at the Hollywood Bowl also drew attention after she appeared to lose her place while performing "Midnight Train to Georgia."
She turned away from the audience and began walking offstage before a backup singer attempted to guide her back. But Knight reportedly shook off the singer’s attempt to assist her.
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Gladys Knight's husband and manager William McDowell said in a statement that she's not been diagnosed with dementia.
Her April 25 performance with Smokey Robinson at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas generated further concern among tour staff. Sources told TMZ that some staff members questioned whether Knight could be experiencing symptoms of dementia.
Her husband and manager, William McDowell, disputed those claims.
Per Page Six, the allegations followed claims from Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, who accused McDowell last year of emotionally and financially abusing his mother and pressuring her to perform.
William McDowell Defended Gladys Knight's Desire to Perform
Gladys Knight remained passionate about singing despite concerns surrounding her performances.
McDowell, who is reportedly 33 years younger than Knight, also spoke about his wife's relationship with performing and the ups and downs she experienced.
"No one is ever gonna make me say, 'My wife is well,' but all she wants to do is sing," he said.
Knight still has performances scheduled through November, with her next listed appearance set for September 4 at the Riverfront Jazz Festival in Dallas.
