Gladys knight stepping back from music

On 24 September 2026, the legendary "Empress of Soul," Gladys Knight, officially announced that she will be stepping back from the music industry following the conclusion of her upcoming global farewell tour. The 82-year-old icon, whose career has spanned over seven decades, shared the news during a press conference in Los Angeles, citing a desire to spend more time with her family and focus on her personal well-being. Knight emphasized that while she is not necessarily retiring from creative expression entirely, she is permanently stepping away from the grueling demands of international touring and live performance schedules. The tour, titled "The Final Curtain Call," is set to begin in early 2027 and will visit major cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Knight expressed deep gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support since the 1950s, stating that she wants to leave the stage while she is still at the top of her game. The music community has responded with an outpouring of tributes, celebrating her immense contributions to R&B, gospel, and soul music.