Gladys Knight, 82, is cutting back on performing as she ushers in a “new era” after recent shows in which she appeared confused onstage raised 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, 82, said in a statement 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.”
The “That’s What Friends Are For” legend also thanked fans who have supported her throughout her 75-year career, which began when she was just 7 years old 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.
“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 statement comes after several of Knight’s recent performances left the singer’s tour staff wondering whether she should still be on the road, according to TMZ.
During her Aug. 18 show at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, Knight took multiple breaks and appeared exhausted, prompting some audience members to leave before the performance ended.
At her July 25 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Knight appeared to lose her place during “Midnight Train to Georgia,” turning her back to the crowd and beginning to walk offstage.
When a backup singer reached for her arm, Knight shook off the attempt.
Knight’s April 25 show with Smokey Robinson at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas was described as even more troubling as tour staff became concerned she was showing symptoms of dementia, sources told the outlet.
Her husband and manager, William McDowell, pushed back on the dementia claims, telling TMZ that Knight has not been diagnosed with the condition and will see a doctor for an evaluation.
McDowell, who is reportedly 33 years his wife’s junior, also said Knight wants to keep performing but has “good days and bad.”
“No one is ever gonna make me say, ‘My wife is well,’ but all she wants to do is sing,” he added.
Knight currently has dates booked through November, with her next scheduled performance set for Sept. 4 at the Riverfront Jazz Festival in Dallas.
The concerns come after Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, accused McDowell last year of emotionally and financially abusing his mom and forcing her to perform.
Knight addressed the allegations at the time, telling The Post that her “health and performances have been misrepresented” and that she was “healthy and happy.”
Knight has earned seven Grammy Awards throughout her career, while also earning a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction with the Pips and a Kennedy Center Honor.
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