Gladys Knight has scaled back her performances after health concerns were raised, with the legendary singer reportedly taking a more limited approach to her demanding touring schedule.
“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,” the 82-year-old singer said in a statement on Thursday night.
She added, “I’ll be spending more time on projects with my husband and visiting with my grandbabies and am looking forward to this new era.”
The That’s What Friends Are For legend also thanked fans for supporting her throughout her remarkable 75-year career, which began when she was just 7 performing with the Pips.
“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 added.
The Missing You singer noted, “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. God bless all of you and hope to see you soon.”
Knight’s announcement comes after several recent performances reportedly left her tour team questioning whether she should remain on the road.
She appeared exhausted and took multiple breaks during her August 18 show at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, prompting some fans to leave early.
At the July 25 show, Knight seemed to lose her place mid-song and began walking away from the audience, while a backup singer attempted to guide her back.
Knight’s performance alongside Smokey Robinson in Las Vegas was described as particularly troubling after staff reportedly became concerned about possible signs of dementia.
Her husband and manager, William McDowell, denied the dementia claims, noting that she has not been diagnosed with the condition and will undergo a medical evaluation.
