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Gladys Knight has shared an update with fans after falling ill shortly before she was due to go onstage.
The legendary singer, 80, was scheduled to perform at the Florida Theatre on Saturday (8 March), when she was taken ill.
According to a statement from Florida Theatre president Numa Saiselin, the “Midnight Train to Georgia” star fell ill “very suddenly” while backstage. She was treated by medical staff before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
“Tonight’s performance by Gladys Knight was cancelled due to illness,” the venue’s statement said. “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.”
The statement added that Grammy winner Knight, who began her career in the late Fifties and has a string of hit songs to her name, was “smiling and in good spirits” when she left the building.
“We hope to reschedule the show, but it’s too early to know about that… we should know more early next week,” representatives said.
Posting to Instagram, Knight reassured fans that she was “already feeling much better” as she revealed she had “that flu that is going around”.
“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.”
Other famous friends, including rapper and producer Jermaine Dupri, and singer and drummer Sheila E, also posted their well-wishes.
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Knight first rose to fame with her family group, Gladys Knight and the Pips, while also collaborating with artists including Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Patti Labelle.
She chose to pursue 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.
Knight at the Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
She is due to perform on Tuesday (11 March) in Orlando, however, there were no further updates on future performances at the time of writing.
