Gladys Knight Addresses Health Concerns Amid Family Dispute

Gladys Knight, the “Empress of Soul,” is in the middle of a public family feud about her wellbeing. Her son, Shanga Hankerson, is at the center of the dispute. The iconic singer is now in the spotlight over huge accusations of elder abuse put upon her husband, William McDowell. Hankerson claims that he brought these…

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Gladys Knight Addresses Health Concerns Amid Family Dispute

Gladys Knight, the “Empress of Soul,” is in the middle of a public family feud about her wellbeing. Her son, Shanga Hankerson, is at the center of the dispute. The iconic singer is now in the spotlight over huge accusations of elder abuse put upon her husband, William McDowell. Hankerson claims that he brought these allegations to the attention of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Regardless of these accusations, Knight claims to be healthy and wants to hit the road again starting this September.

In a statement, Knight expressed her current well-being, saying, “I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family these last few months.” She reassured her fans, stating, “I want my fans and those concerned to rest assured I am doing very well for someone who has been on stage for three quarters of a century, hard to believe, right?”

Even Hankerson has publicly raised concerns over his mom’s well-being, indicating pretty firmly that she shouldn’t go on tour anytime soon. He stated, “Not knowing where, who she is, not knowing where William is, is a big thing for her. And that’s my biggest issue.” His public statements have sounded the alarm on Knight’s cognitive health. To that end, he reached out to public health officials to express his concerns.

Knight’s publicist, Laura Herlovich, responded firmly to Hankerson’s claims. She stated that Knight and her team are “greatly saddened by Shanga’s unfounded allegations,” adding that he has had “no substantial contact” with Knight over recent months.

The living legend and candid activist has been off the road since June 1st. Don’t fret, she’s about to come back out with “The Queens Tour” this fall beginning in September! Knight expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour, saying, “I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with ‘The Queens Tour’ – see you soon.”

Knight’s career has now spanned more than six decades, beginning with the classic Motown R&B group The Pips in 1961. Throughout her stellar career, she has won 7 Grammy Awards and to this day is one of the most revered artists of the American music industry. At the presentation she sang at the 4 Queens concert at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, on May 11, 2025.

As the situation unfolds, both Knight and her representatives continue to emphasize her health and readiness to return to performing.

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