Stephanie Mills is speaking out about Gladys Knight’s health, claiming the legendary singer showed signs of dementia while they were performing together on The Queens Tour. Mills also believes the 82-year-old music icon should no longer be touring and is questioning whether the people managing her career are making decisions in her best interest.
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During her October 14 appearance on BET’s “The Jason Lee Show,” Mills, 69, discussed Knight’s condition and the difficulties she reportedly witnessed during their time on the road together.“She was having problems [during the tour], [exhibiting] early stages of dementia. She still sounded amazing…[but] she was a little confused,” Mills revealed.
The comments have renewed concerns about Knight’s well-being following months of public allegations involving her health, touring schedule, and husband, William McDowell, who also manages her career.
Although Mills described what she believed were early symptoms of dementia, her statements do not establish a confirmed medical diagnosis. McDowell previously told TMZ that Knight had not been diagnosed with the condition.
Mills also addressed who should take responsibility for deciding whether Knight continues performing. She pointed directly to McDowell, arguing that protecting the singer’s health should come before maintaining her concert schedule.
“I believe it’s the responsibility of her husband. Her husband is her manager, or co-manager,” she said.
“I think it’s the responsibility of her husband, but I don’t think she should still be out there [performing] even though they’ll say ‘oh, well she wants to be.’” I don’t really believe that.”
Mills went further, suggesting veteran entertainers should be allowed to “bow out with grace” rather than continue working under circumstances that could compromise their well-being. She also used the phrase “not be pimped” while discussing the treatment of older performers, extending her concerns to artists including Ron Isley and Charlie Wilson.
Her remarks carry particular significance because she worked alongside Knight during a major concert production rather than observing her through viral performance clips.
According to the Black Promoters Collective, The Queens Tour launched in May 2025, bringing together Knight, Mills, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan for a historic celebration of R&B and soul music. The production continued with additional performances into 2026, giving audiences an opportunity to experience four influential voices from different generations on the same bill.
However, concerns about Knight’s health became public during the tour.
In August 2025, Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, accused McDowell of mental and financial abuse and expressed concern that his mother was being pushed to continue performing despite what he described as declining cognitive health.
According to ABC News, Hankerson claimed he had filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. He alleged that Knight was experiencing memory problems and periods of confusion that affected her ability to perform.
The agency told ABC News that complaints are confidential and that it does not comment on investigations. No finding substantiating Hankerson’s accusations was established in that reporting.
Knight firmly rejected the allegations.
In an August 2025 statement provided to ABC News, the seven-time Grammy winner said, “I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented.”
She also reassured supporters that she was “healthy and happy” and expressed excitement about returning to the stage with her fellow performers.
Her publicist, Laura Herlovich, defended the singer and described Hankerson’s allegations as unfounded. Herlovich also claimed that Hankerson had not maintained substantial contact with his mother and said Knight’s legal team was considering action over his statements.
Despite those denials, additional concerns emerged in 2026 after videos circulated showing Knight appearing confused during certain performances.
In August, TMZ reported that people connected to Knight’s tour had expressed concerns about her condition. Footage from a July 25 Hollywood Bowl performance showed Knight turning away from the audience during “Midnight Train to Georgia” and appearing to walk offstage before a backup singer attempted to assist her.
Some concertgoers had noticed Knight taking breaks during performances and relying more heavily on accompanying vocalists.
McDowell acknowledged that his wife experienced “good days and bad” but maintained that she wanted to continue singing. He also said they planned to seek a medical evaluation regarding possible dementia.
“No one is ever gonna make me say, ‘My wife is well,’ but all she wants to do is sing,” McDowell told TMZ.
The situation prompted Knight to publicly address the future of her career.
On August 27, the singer announced that she would be reducing her performance schedule after spending more than seven decades entertaining audiences.
Knight said she was “easing into fewer performances” while preparing for another chapter in her personal and professional life. She explained that she wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren and pursue projects alongside her husband.
The announcement did not amount to an immediate retirement.
In September, Knight’s social media account shared another statement indicating that she intended to complete her remaining scheduled performances in 2026.
As Complex reported, Knight described her remaining concerts as “just a few more stops” and expressed interest in exploring new opportunities the following year.
Hankerson continued challenging the decision to keep his mother onstage. In comments reported by The Detroit News in September, he accused McDowell of intending to work Knight until she passed away. McDowell has denied forcing his wife to perform.
Mills’ latest interview introduces another perspective because her concerns come from someone who shared the touring experience with Knight.
The veteran singer has enjoyed a celebrated career of her own, beginning with her portrayal of Dorothy in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz.” Her catalog includes “Home,” “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” and “I Feel Good All Over.”
Knight’s contributions to Black music stretch back even further.
According to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted in 1996, recognizing a catalog that helped define several generations of R&B. Her signature recordings include “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us,” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.”
Knight’s accomplishments also include seven Grammy Awards and a career spanning music, television, and live entertainment.
For Mills, those decades of achievement appear to be central to her belief that Knight should be able to step away from touring without pressure to continue.
Still, Mills’ observations raise questions that remain separate from a medical diagnosis. While she believes Knight exhibited symptoms associated with dementia, the singer’s medical condition has not been independently confirmed in the public reporting reviewed.
Knight has repeatedly defended her autonomy, while Mills and Hankerson have separately expressed concerns about whether she should continue performing.
