Days after abuse allegations were mounted by her son, Gladys Knight spoke out to dispute the claims.
In a statement, she assured fans she’s “healthy and happy” after her son publicly accused the music legend’s husband of mental and financial abuse — and lodged a complaint with authorities in North Carolina over her care.
Knight, 81, has been on The Queens Tour since May with fellow legends Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills. She currently has 11 shows scheduled from September through December.
In an interview with PEOPLE, her son Shanga Hankerson expressed concern for his mother. He claimed her busy touring schedule was “detrimental” to her health, and came mostly at the urging of her husband, William McDowell.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Knight painted a different picture, saying she has enjoyed her time on the road and is doing well.
“I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented. I want my fans and those concerned to rest assured I am doing very well for someone who has been on stage for three quarters of a century, hard to believe, right?” she said. “I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with The Queens Tour.”