At 80 Years Old, Gladys Knight Reveals The Reason For Her MESSY Divorce

After decades of keeping the details private, Gladys Knight has finally opened up about the emotional turmoil and painful truth behind one of her messiest divorces — a revelation that has shocked even her most devoted fans.

At 80, the legendary Empress of Soul is reflecting more than ever on the relationships that shaped her journey, both personally and professionally.

Known for her incredible voice and trailblazing career, Knight has also weathered a stormy love life — with three divorces behind her. For years, she remained silent about what truly happened behind closed doors. But now, with wisdom and candor, she’s decided to speak out about the divorce that changed her life forever.

Gladys Knight’s second marriage, to Barry Hankerson, is the one she now refers to as one of the most emotionally exhausting chapters in her life.

Hankerson, a music producer and founder of Blackground Records, was deeply embedded in the industry — a fact that initially brought them close but eventually drove a wedge between them.

The couple married in 1974 and had a son together, Shanga Hankerson. But behind the scenes, things were far from harmonious.

Knight has now revealed that the pressures of fame, infidelity, and emotional manipulation played a huge role in the breakdown of their marriage. She described feeling “trapped in a cycle of mistrust and loneliness,” even while maintaining the public image of a successful couple. “It’s hard when the person who’s supposed to lift you up is the one constantly bringing you down,” she said in a recent interview.

One of the most difficult aspects of the divorce, she admitted, was the battle over custody and control. Knight fought fiercely to protect her son, while also trying to preserve her career.

She often had to tour and record while going through court proceedings and emotional stress at home. “I was singing on stage with tears in my eyes,” she shared. “People didn’t know I was going through hell after the curtain closed.”

Adding to the tension, Hankerson’s role in the music industry created professional complications. Their personal issues began to bleed into Knight’s career. She alleged that he tried to control aspects of her musical decisions, which only intensified their conflict.

“There’s a fine line between love and control,” Knight said. “And once that line is crossed, it’s very hard to get back.”

After years of turmoil, Knight finally filed for divorce, and what followed was a bitter, drawn-out legal battle. The divorce, finalized in 1979, left Knight emotionally exhausted.

She’s now revealed that she suffered from depression during and after the process — a period of her life that she calls “one of the darkest.” Still, she kept going, relying on her music and her faith to carry her through.

Knight says she stayed silent about the details for years to protect her family — especially her son. But now, decades later, she feels a responsibility to be transparent with fans who have followed her through everything. “I’ve always believed in love, but I also believe in truth. And my truth is that I stayed too long in something that was breaking me.”

Even after the divorce, the repercussions lingered. Her son, Shanga, would later face legal trouble of his own, including a tax evasion scandal that made headlines.

Knight has stood by him but admits that the emotional legacy of a broken home was not easy for him to carry. “We all carry our scars,” she said. “But we also have the power to choose healing.”

Today, Knight is in a more peaceful place. She has been married to her fourth husband, William McDowell, since 2001, and describes their relationship as “a blessing that came after a storm.”

Unlike her past relationships, this one is built on mutual respect, spiritual connection, and emotional maturity. “He sees me for who I am — not just the performer, but the woman,” she said with a smile.

Fans have long admired Knight for her strength and poise, but her recent honesty has added a new layer of admiration. By revealing the truth behind her messy divorce, she’s shown that even icons can suffer in silence — and that healing is always possible, no matter how late it comes.

At 80, Knight isn’t just reflecting on her past. She’s using her story to empower others — especially women — to speak their truth, walk away from toxic situations, and find peace. “If I could go back,” she said, “I’d tell my younger self to love herself more, and to never settle for less than respect.”

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