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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.
