Seven-time Grammy-winning singer Gladys Knight canceled a concert Saturday night in Florida after she fell ill backstage.
Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin announced the cancellation in a statement shared by News4JAX that began, “Tonight’s performance by Gladys Knight was canceled due to illness.”
“Ms. Knight and another member of her staff were taken ill backstage, very suddenly and at the last minute, which necessitated the sudden cancellation of the show,” he went on, explaining that Jacksonville Fire Rescue attended to Knight’s health and “she was smiling and in good spirits when they left the building.”
The 80-year-old singer was scheduled to perform in Tampa on Sunday, March 9 as well, but the venue, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, announced the day of the concert that it was officially postponed.
The ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ shared a post on her instagram to assure her fans that she was in good spirits. “Hi my loves! I have that flu that is going around and am already feeling better. I’ll see everyone real soon and appreciate the good wishes.”
Fans expressed their relief at the update and wished Knight a speedy recovery, calling her a “national treasure”.
“God bless you Miss Gladys!” another wrote. “take care of yourself.”
Known as the Empress of Soul, Knight rose to fame for her classic recordings with the Pips. She also collaborated with artists including Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Patti Labelle.
Knight pursued a solo career in the late Eighties, which included the release of her Bond theme “License to Kill”, for the film of the same name starring Timothy Dalton.