Gladys Knight, 82, is reducing her performance schedule as she transitions into a new phase of her life and career, following recent shows where she appeared disoriented on stage, sparking questions about her health.
"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 said in a statement released Thursday night. "I’ll be spending more time on projects with my husband and visiting with my grandbabies and am looking forward to this new era."
Knight, whose career began at age 7 with the Pips, expressed gratitude to her fans for their support over the past 75 years. "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,"
The decision comes after several of Knight's recent concerts raised concerns among her tour staff regarding her well-being on the road, according to reports. During a performance at Detroit's Fisher Theatre on August 18, Knight took multiple breaks and seemed exhausted, leading some audience members to depart before the show concluded.
At her July 25 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Knight appeared to falter during "Midnight Train to Georgia," turning her back to the audience and starting to exit the stage. A backup singer's attempt to reach for her arm was reportedly met with resistance.
Earlier concerns were noted at a show on April 25 with Smokey Robinson at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Sources indicated that tour staff became worried she was exhibiting symptoms of dementia. However, Knight's husband and manager, William McDowell, refuted these claims, telling TMZ that Knight has not been diagnosed with dementia and is scheduled for a medical evaluation. McDowell stated that Knight wishes to continue performing but experiences "good days and bad."
Knight has concert dates scheduled through November, with her next appearance slated for September 4 at the Riverfront Jazz Festival in Dallas.
These recent concerns follow allegations made last year by Knight's son, Shanga Hankerson, who accused McDowell of emotional and financial abuse and of pressuring Knight to perform. At the time, Knight had asserted that her health and performances had been misrepresented and that she was "healthy and happy."
Knight's illustrious career has garnered seven Grammy Awards, an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Pips, and a Kennedy Center Honor.