The Godmother of Soul, Patti LaBelle, is officially 80. She celebrated this milestone with a surprise party on Thursday, May 23, the night before her birthday. The glamorous event was held at the Glasshouse in New York City and was attended by numerous celebrities.
A Star-Studded Celebration
The party featured an impressive guest list, including honorary host Whoopi Goldberg, Gayle King, Gladys Knight, Sherri Shepherd, and Debbie Allen. Other notable attendees were Tamron Hall, Andy Cohen, Tameka Foster, Tina Knowles, Mika Brzezinski, Tamar Braxton, and Eric Adams. The celebration included cocktails, dinner, and a lively party.
Reflecting on the surprise, LaBelle shared her emotional reaction. “Everybody in the industry that I know were here, and I had a lot of tears,” she told PEOPLE. “But I had to keep on my lashes, so I couldn’t cry too much.”
A Legendary Career
Since her debut in the 1960s, LaBelle has become famous for hits like “Lady Marmalade.” Her personality and eye-catching style, including her iconic wigs, have also made her a beloved figure. “All those crazy hairstyles. I have a room full of hair,” she revealed.
LaBelle’s career began over 60 years ago with Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles, later known as Labelle. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I’ve learned to be kind when people are not kind. You always take the high road.”
She doesn’t have a “favorite decade” of her career, stating, “Every day I’m on this planet, I’m thankful.” Looking to the future, she said, “I achieve to be nicer than I was before that, before I turned 80. I want to be nicer in my nineties. I just want to continue to make people feel better.”
Unforgettable Moments
LaBelle also recalled a standout moment in her career. “When I did Live Aid back in the day with Tina Turner and Mick Jagger in Philadelphia, I sang Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young.’ I got the Holy Ghost spirit, walked into the audience, and the floor was full of water. I didn’t have on any shoes,” she said. “People thought I was going to get electrocuted. God lifted me, and I sang that song like it was the last song ever in my life.”
LaBelle’s celebration and reflections showcase her incredible journey and the love and respect she has earned over the years.