Key Takeaways
- Stephanie Mills says Gladys Knight should be allowed to “bow out with grace,” questioning claims that the 82-year-old singer wants to keep touring.
- Mills placed responsibility on Knight’s husband and manager, William McDowell, warning veteran performers, “Don’t diminish your talent” and “Don’t let people pimp you.”
- Knight’s son has accused McDowell of abuse amid reports of memory lapses, while McDowell denies forcing her to perform, and Knight’s team says she plans to finish her remaining 2026 dates.
Stephanie Mills isn't buying the explanation that Gladys Knight wants to keep touring, and she's putting the responsibility for the 82-year-old singer's continued performances squarely on her husband and manager, William McDowell.
During an appearance on The Jason Lee Show, Mills questioned why Knight remains on the road amid growing concerns about her cognitive health. Unlike those commenting from the sidelines, Mills has shared the stage with Knight.
"I think it's the responsibility of her husband," Mills told Lee. "I don't think that she should still be out there."
When the conversation turned to claims that Knight wants to continue performing, Mills wasn't convinced.
"Even though they'll say, 'Oh, well, she wants to be,' I don't really believe that," she said.
Her reasoning was straightforward: "Because she should be allowed to bow out with grace."
Mills toured with Knight, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan during 2025's The Queens Tour, which brought four generations-spanning R&B powerhouses together for a nationwide run. The "Never Knew Love Like This Before" singer has also repeatedly expressed her admiration for Knight.
During the interview, Lee referenced reports that Knight appeared confused onstage, while acknowledging that her voice remained strong. Mills did not claim to have diagnosed Knight with dementia, but she made clear that she believes there comes a point when veteran performers should be allowed to step away.
"Don't diminish your talent," Mills said, broadening the conversation to include Charlie Wilson and Ronald Isley. "Don't let people pimp you."
The comments come after months of increasingly troubling allegations surrounding Knight's touring schedule.
Her son, Shanga Hankerson, previously accused McDowell of mentally and financially abusing his mother, claiming Knight has experienced memory lapses and periods of confusion. Hankerson also said he contacted North Carolina authorities over concerns about her care.
The dispute intensified in September after Knight performed in Tulsa, a concert McDowell had previously identified as a potential deciding factor for the rest of her tour. He told TMZ that a difficult night could prompt him to cancel her remaining dates.
One concertgoer subsequently claimed Knight struggled to remember lyrics and ended her portion of the show early. That account has not been independently verified, but Knight continued performing afterward.
"He never intended to stop any tour dates, as you can see for yourself," Hankerson told The Detroit News. "My belief and fear is that he intends to literally try to work her until she passes away."
Knight previously dismissed health concerns, declaring herself "healthy and happy." She later announced plans to reduce her workload, but a later post on her team-managed Instagram account confirmed she intended to finish her remaining 2026 performances.
Mills, however, emphasized that her criticism wasn't driven by hostility toward Knight.
"She's so sweet. She's like sweet potato pie for me," she said.
And while discussing the importance of protecting veteran entertainers, Mills made her position clear.
"I say everything I say with love," she told Lee. "It's my opinion and I have the right to it."
