Gladys Knight Cuts Back on Performing as She Transitions to ‘Next Stage’ of Career and Life
Developing story first seen 6 hours ago
Gladys Knight has announced that she will perform less often, describing the move as a transition into the next stage of her career and life rather than a full retirement. The 82-year-old singer said she will devote more time to projects with her husband and to visiting her grandchildren, while assuring fans that she still expects to appear on the road.
The decision follows recent reports of difficulties during live shows, including a July performance at the Hollywood Bowl where she reportedly left the stage during “Midnight Train to Georgia” and backing singers took lead parts. Her husband, William McDowell, said she wants to continue singing but has variable days; he said she has not been diagnosed with dementia and will undergo an evaluation. Her son, Shanga Hankerson, has publicly raised concerns about possible dementia previously, including in 2025 and 2016.
- Gladys Knight is reducing performances, not retiring completely.
- She plans more time with family and joint projects.
- Recent shows prompted renewed health concerns.
New here? Start with this
Gladys Knight is an American singer best known for her work with the group Gladys Knight & the Pips. She became a major figure in soul and R&B music, with songs including “Midnight Train to Georgia”, and has continued to perform as a solo artist for decades.
William McDowell is Knight’s husband, while Shanga Hankerson is her son. Public discussion of Knight’s health has arisen at different points in recent years, but her family members have expressed differing views about the cause of any difficulties.
Full account
Gladys Knight has said she plans to reduce the number of live performances she gives as she moves into what she described as the next phase of her career and personal life. In an Instagram statement, the singer said the decision followed considerable reflection and that she intended to devote more time to projects with her husband and to seeing her grandchildren.
The seven-time Grammy winner thanked supporters for backing her over a career spanning roughly 75 years, saying they had helped fulfil a childhood ambition. Although she is scaling back, Knight did not announce a full retirement and suggested that audiences may still see her at selected appearances and on the road.
The announcement comes after concern over a July Hollywood Bowl show with Smokey Robinson. Both reports refer to Billboard’s account of the performance, which said Knight depended substantially on backing vocalists; Source 1 additionally says she appeared to leave the stage during “Midnight Train to Georgia”. Knight, 82, has continued to tour regularly, including recently appearing on The Queens Tour with Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills.
Her son, Shanga Hankerson, has previously expressed concern about the demands of touring and his mother’s wellbeing. Source 1 focuses on his fears about possible dementia and reports that her husband, William McDowell, said no diagnosis had been made but that a medical assessment was planned. Source 2 instead foregrounds Hankerson’s allegations about McDowell and Knight’s working schedule, alongside Knight’s previous response that she was healthy, happy and that her condition and performances had been misrepresented.
Where outlets differ
Source 1 places greater weight on reported cognitive-health concerns, McDowell’s comments about a forthcoming evaluation, and details from the Hollywood Bowl performance. Source 2 gives more prominence to Hankerson’s allegations concerning McDowell and Knight’s earlier public denial that her health was in poor condition. Both say the reduction in performances is not presented as a complete retirement.
More coverage