Gladys Knight has announced that she will reduce her live performances after decades of extensive touring, saying she wants to focus on projects with her husband and spend more time with her grandchildren. The decision matters because it follows public concerns about the 82-year-old singer’s wellbeing and recent audience videos that appeared to show difficulties during performances.

Knight made the announcement while undertaking a 2026 solo tour, a year after joining Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills on The Queens Tour. Her son, Shanga Hankerson, had previously said the touring schedule was harming her health, although Knight denied his claims and said her condition and performances had been misrepresented; recent videos, including from a 25 July Hollywood Bowl show, renewed scrutiny. Knight, whose career spans 75 years, is celebrated for hits including “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “That’s What Friends Are For”.