Legendary singer Dionne Warwick has canceled a scheduled Carnegie Hall performance after experiencing severe pain in her leg and foot.
The 85-year-old entertainer was expected to perform Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Deborah Silver & Fabulous Friends: Voices for ALS benefit. The charity concert took place at Zankel Hall in New York City.
However, Warwick’s health prevented her from taking the stage. The Grammy-winning singer addressed her absence in a statement to Page Six.
“I’m sorry to have had to cancel the chance to see you all at Carnegie,” Warwick said. “My leg and foot would not allow me to stand nor walk at the moment.”
“Due to the pain, I just couldn’t do anything other than cancel my appearance this time, as I focus on rest and recovering from it.”
Warwick also asked fans for understanding, explaining that her physical discomfort was the sole reason for missing the event.
Despite the concerning announcement, Warwick’s team has since offered a more encouraging update.
Her representative told PEOPLE on Oct. 13 that the singer was “feeling much better.”
Her longtime publicist, Angelo Ellerbee, also told USA Today that Warwick was recovering. He clarified that although she experienced leg pain, her ability to walk had not been impaired.
Warwick Previously Underwent Emergency Leg Surgery
The cancellation comes approximately one year after Warwick underwent emergency surgery for a separate episode of severe leg pain.
In September 2025, the singer withdrew from London’s Soul Town Festival after experiencing what she described as unbearable discomfort.
At the time, Warwick explained that her condition required immediate medical attention.
“The last thing I expected was to have surgery the day I was to fly to London. Pain was unbearable, and my doctor rushed me into surgery, thank goodness, as it could’ve resulted in something far worse.”
Following the procedure, Warwick reassured fans that she was recovering.
In March 2026, she shared another health update through her official website. She described months of difficult rehabilitation before regaining her ability to walk.
Warwick also revealed that she had resumed performing after five months of recovery.
Her latest cancellation has raised concerns about her mobility. However, no confirmed connection between her previous surgery and the recent pain has been publicly established.
Charity Concert Continues Without Warwick
Although Warwick could not attend, the benefit concert proceeded with a lineup of accomplished performers. Veteran cabaret singer Marilyn Maye stepped in for Warwick. She joined Jon Secada, his daughter Mikaela Secada, and jazz vocalist Stella Cole.
The event was organized to support research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. The progressive neurological disease affects nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.
According to Page Six, Silver and her husband personally covered the concert’s production and performance expenses. Their financial contribution ensured ticket proceeds could support ALS research. Participating entertainers also donated their time to the fundraiser.
Warwick’s absence was particularly significant given her longstanding connection to Carnegie Hall and her history of charitable performances.
Throughout her decades-long career, the New Jersey native has delivered timeless recordings, including “Walk On By” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” Her catalog also includes “That’s What Friends Are For,” the 1985 charity recording featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder.
The singer was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, further cementing her influence on popular music.
While Warwick focuses on recovering, her representatives’ latest updates suggest her condition has improved. No additional cancellations or revised performance dates were announced in the reports reviewed.