Music
Legendary ’70s Singer, 82, Makes Major Announcement After 75 Years in the Spotlight
Gladys Knight, 82, announces she is slowing down performances to focus on family, marking a new chapter in her legendary career.
An iconic entertainer took to social media to share difficult news with her fans. Gladys Knight, 82, revealed she decided it was time to slow down a bit and focus on her family. The “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer had raised concerns among fans during recent performances, as she sometimes appeared disoriented, noted Page Six.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Knight explained, “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 “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” singer continued, “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 has been married to William McDowell since 2001. While McDowell and Knight have no children together, she had three children from previous relationships: James “Jimmy” Gaston Newman III, Shanga Ali Hankerson, and Kenya Maria Newman. Jimmy died in 1999.
In an interview with Harry Connick, Jr. in September 2017, Knight shared that she had 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren at the time.
“It is the most amazing, amazing thing. That is another one of my blessings…my family, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren,” Knight gushed.
In her Instagram statement, Knight also wrote, “I’d like to take a moment, in advance, to thank all of 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. I am immensely grateful to all of you and send my eternal love back to you.”
Fans and fellow entertainers flooded Knight’s Instagram post with notes of love.
Little House on the Prairie alum Melissa Gilbert wrote, “I love you so sweet one. Rest, recharge and do whatever you need.”
Ronnie DeVoe of the ’90s R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe commented, “Thank you for leading the way and blazing a trail for so many artists including myself! We are all able to walk, run and soar to heights unimaginable because of the blueprint for success you laid. Enjoy the next chapter @MsGladysKnight! Love you to life!”
Another response to Knight’s post read, “We LOVE you! U have given us more than you should’ve. Thank u for that. Do what you have to do for you.”
