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Hip-Hop Lives Here
Gladys Knight has announced that she is "easing into fewer performances" following concerns about her appearing disoriented onstage.
The 82 year old Midnight Train to Georgia vocalist left some concertgoers concerned during a recent appearance when she looked toward the side of the stage during one song and allowed her backing vocalists to take over.
According to a Billboard review, "She barely got through this show, and only by leaning heavily on her backup singers. Artists need to know when it's time to bow out gracefully."
Following her most recent concert, Gladys issued a statement about her future plans. "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," she explained. "I'll be spending more time on projects with my husband and visiting with my grandbabies and am looking forward to this new era."
She added, "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. 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."
Knight’s husband and manager, William McDowell, told TMZ that the singer intends to remain onstage. Although individuals involved with the tour reportedly believe she is "showing symptoms of dementia," McDowell said she has not been medically assessed. He explained that he would call off her remaining concerts if she experiences a "rough night" at her next appearance on September 5.
In 2025, Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, alleged that McDowell was forcing his mother to continue working while subjecting her to "emotional and financial abuse." Knight rejected those accusations.
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Julia Stiles has shared that Dolly Parton personally approved her use of ‘9 to 5’ on Dancing with the Stars shortly before her death.
The 10 Things I Hate About You actress danced a quickstep to Parton’s classic track with professional partner Ezra Sosa during Wednesday’s episode of the American competition series.
In footage from rehearsals shown ahead of their routine, Stiles explained that Parton had personally granted permission for the song before passing away on 25 August at the age of 80.
“It was only a couple weeks before Dolly passed that she approved this song specifically for me,” the 45 year old said. “I’m so honoured to be dancing to her music and honouring her legacy, and I want to make her proud.”
Following a standing ovation from the studio audience, Stiles told cohost Julianne Hough why the song held such personal importance for her.
“It was the first song we talked about. I wanted it so badly,” the Save the Last Dance actress said. “We didn’t know what was gonna happen. She cleared it, and I just feel so honoured, like, to honour Dolly.”
“She’s such a powerhouse,” she continued. “And the song is so great. Like, it’s such an anthem. And, yeah, what a legend.”
During a recent appearance on the Dancing with the Stars podcast, Stiles said they had “no idea” that Parton’s health was getting worse when they selected the track.
Stiles also responded during Wednesday’s programme to TV personality Andy Cohen, who said in September 2025 that she was “not the greatest dancer on the planet”.
After the episode was broadcast, Cohen expressed regret for his remarks on Watch What Happens Live.
“Julia, I am so sorry. I’m the last person who should be giving anyone feedback on their dancing,” he admitted. “Great job, Julia Stiles! You killed tonight!”
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