Gladys Knight does not have pancreatic cancer despite what she alluded to when talking about the late Aretha Franklin.
The 74-year-old “Empress of Soul” and Motown legend apparently revealed that during her last encounter with Franklin “we shared the fact that we had the same disease,” according to an interview with local Detroit TV station WDIV.
Although the “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer didn’t elaborate on her condition, or when the friendly meetup occurred, she later explained that the “same disease” they shared is cancer. Knight revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I’d like to clarify that Aretha and I discussed both of us having cancer, mine was stage 1 breast cancer and hers was pancreatic,” she said in a statement released on Friday. “Due to early detection, I am cancer free and grateful for that. It is unfortunate that on a day we should be celebrating Aretha’s life and massive contribution to our world, a reporter who did not relay accurate information has missed the message. I send my love to the entire Franklin family and my gratitude to them for sharing such an extraordinary person with us.”
Additionally a rep for the singer told Page Six, “She is fine!”
Franklin, who died on August 16, was remembered in a star studded ceremony in Detroit on Friday where Knight sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Knight, who was born in Georgia in 1944, got her start with The Pips in the ‘50s and soon changed their name to Gladys Knight & the Pips.
She went solo soon after enjoyed much success.
In her career thus far, Knight has earned seven Grammy awards –– her most recent in 2005 – and several other lifetime achievements accolades.
She also has a budding acting career. She’s had roles in several movies and TV shows like “Star” and “Empire.” Knight also was the star of a recurring series “The First Family” from 2012-2013.