Gladys Knight says she plans to step away from touring after her remaining shows this year, although her announcement did not offer specifics or a timeline as to when she might retire.
The 82-year-old music legend shared the news with fans in a statement on her official Instagram account Sunday evening, Sept. 13.
“After heartfelt discussions with my team, I recognize that no matter how much I love lifting spirits in song, it’s time for the midnight train to make just a few more stops,” the statement read. “I’m finishing the year strong with my remaining performances.”
The “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer said she is looking forward to “new ventures” next year and thanked fans for their support.
“Again, I am so very grateful for all the love and support over the years. God bless all of you,” the statement said.
Related: Gladys Knight to Cut Back on Performances After Troubling Videos
It was unclear whether Knight plans to stop performing entirely or just lighten her schedule.
The announcement came two days after The Detroit News published an interview with her son, Shanga Hankerson, who expressed concern that his mother would never be able to stop working.
He blamed Knight’s husband and business manager, William McDowell.
“My belief and fear is that he intends to literally try to work her until she passes away. And you can quote me on that,” Hankerson said in the Sept. 11 article.
Knight has been performing solo shows this year and co-headlining concerts with Smokey Robinson as part of their “Just the Two of Us” shows.
But questions about her well-being intensified after videos circulated online showing the singer struggling to remember lyrics.
After TMZ published a video on Aug. 27 of Knight appearing confused on stage and reaching out to her backup singers for a hug, she released a statement later that day saying she would begin “easing into fewer performances.”
But Hankerson told The Detroit News there had been no change in the Grammy winner’s touring schedule.
Knight performed at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa on Sept. 5. Afterward, Pacific Coast Radio posted a video on Facebook and claimed the concert was “cut short after singer forgets words.”
Urban Hollywood 411 contacted the casino’s media relations department last week, but our request for comment went unanswered.
McDowell previously said he would evaluate the Tulsa performance before deciding whether Knight should continue. Since then, she took the stage in Terre Haute, Indiana on Sept. 9; Cincinnati, Ohio on Sept. 11; and Shipshewana, Indiana on Sept. 12, according to The Detroit News.
“He never intended to stop any tour dates, as you can see for yourself,” Hankerson told the outlet.
He also alleged his mother is a victim of elder abuse and is being pressured to perform despite what he describes as signs of cognitive decline.
Knight and McDowell have disputed claims surrounding her health.
You can read the singer’s latest statement below:
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