Solange Gets Candid About Health Issues

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 28: Crown Royal and Solange Knowles for Saint Heron celebrate partnership on August 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)

Solange Knowles has recently opened up about her health challenges, shedding light on her years-long struggle with autoimmune disorders. Her revelation came unexpectedly, as she offered words of support to musician Shaun Ross, who revealed his own diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition often linked to long COVID. In a heartfelt message on social media, Solange shared her experiences with POTS, as well as two other complex autoimmune disorders: Sjögren’s syndrome and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

“Sending you so much love and strength, Shaun,” Solange wrote in the comments. “To everyone in the comments dealing with the overwhelming, confusing, and isolating nature of POTS, I understand.” Solange expressed how navigating these health issues has shaped her life since her diagnoses in 2018. “I completely understand what it’s like to not want your health circumstances to define you. The good folks at @dysautonomiaintl were an incredible resource, and I’m grateful for the ‘spoonie’ community for holding me down during times of complete uncertainty,” she added, referring to a support community for those with chronic illnesses.

A Shift in Focus and Career Path for Solange

This admission marks a rare moment of vulnerability for the artist, whose career has notably shifted since her diagnoses. Known for her unique sound and artistic vision, Solange has taken a step back from the music industry in recent years. Ross, reflecting on Solange’s evolution, noted how her career slowed around the same time she first publicly mentioned POTS in 2017. “It’s interesting to look back at Solange in 2017,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The change of career pace seems connected to her health.”

Despite her reduced presence in the music scene, Solange has continued to explore new creative paths. Earlier this year, she mentioned her fascination with the tuba, hinting that she’s been crafting new music around the unique instrument. “I’ve started writing music for the tuba,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. “I’m trying to talk myself into releasing it.”

Solange also made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to compose for the New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala. Her sister, Beyoncé, celebrated the achievement, calling her “a visionary and one of one” in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. This shift into new realms of artistic expression speaks to Solange’s resilience and determination to keep creating despite her health battles.