It’s been a little over two weeks since the world lost the legendary Aretha Franklin, and during her emotional farewell, Gladys Knight, a dear friend and fellow music icon, reportedly revealed some deeply personal news. According to reports, Gladys shared at Aretha’s funeral that she, too, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the very illness that claimed Aretha's life.
On Friday, August 31, The Detroit News reported that during the service, Gladys said she and Aretha "had the same disease." While this revelation has sparked widespread concern for Gladys' health, no additional details about her diagnosis, treatment plan, or current condition have been disclosed by the singer herself as of yet.
This announcement comes just days after Gladys opened up about the loss of her beloved friend Aretha, who passed away at the age of 76. Speaking with Us Weekly at the USTA Foundation Opening Night Gala in NYC on Monday, August 27, Gladys expressed how much she misses Aretha but also found solace in knowing that she’s no longer in pain.
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Gladys Knight Reflects on Losing a Legend
Gladys Knight, now 74, shared her heartfelt thoughts with the media, offering a poignant perspective on life, death, and faith. "We all have our days," she reflected. "We have absolutely no control over that. The Lord tells us where we are going and when we are coming. So I’m not overly upset about it, and he knows how much each one of us can bear, and he calls us home with those things in mind. That’s the way I feel about it, because he loves us like that."
She went on to express her love and admiration for Aretha, saying, "I miss her, but I didn’t want her to suffer. I really didn’t. And, you know, people could see it. She just kept driving and driving, and she knew it was a disease that would take her out, and she just kept on doing what she does best. So Aretha, safe journey." Her words paint a vivid picture of a woman who faced her challenges with grace and determination.
Stevie Wonder Joins in Paying Tribute
Gladys isn’t the only musical luminary mourning the loss of Aretha. Shortly after her passing, Stevie Wonder also paid tribute to his cherished friend. "She did incredible music. She touched every genre. Every singer was influenced in some way by the way she sang and they will forever be influenced by her because of her voice, her emotion. Her sincerity is unforgettable," the legendary "Isn’t She Lovely" singer shared, emphasizing Aretha's enduring impact on the music industry.
