Gladys Knight, famously known as the Empress of Soul, has enjoyed a remarkable and award-winning musical career spanning decades.

Her powerful voice and timeless hits have made her a beloved icon in the music industry.

However, behind the spotlight, Knight’s personal life has been marked by both joy and struggle, including four marriages, motherhood, and deeply personal family challenges.

Now at 80, she has finally opened up about some of the rumors and truths surrounding her life, revealing a story of resilience, love, and perseverance.

 

Gladys Knight’s journey into adulthood began early.

At just 16 years old, she became pregnant and soon married Atlanta musician James “Jimmy” Newman in 1960.

The young couple faced heartbreak early on when Knight suffered a miscarriage.

Despite this painful loss, they went on to have two children together: a son, James “Jimmy” Gaston Newman III, and a daughter, Kenyette Maria Newman.

 

Their marriage lasted for over a decade but eventually ended in divorce in 1973, seven years after they had separated.

This period was undoubtedly challenging for Knight, balancing the demands of a burgeoning music career with the responsibilities of motherhood and the emotional toll of a dissolving marriage.

Shortly after her divorce from James Newman, Knight married Barry Hankerson, the creator of Blackground Records, in 1974.

Together, they had a son named Shanga Ali Hankerson, born on August 1, 1976.

This marriage, however, was fraught with difficulties from the start.

 

Barry filed for divorce in 1978 but surprisingly dropped the proceedings just four weeks later, expressing his deep love for Knight and their children.

He stated that he could not bring himself to destroy the marriage legally, uncertain if withdrawing the divorce would heal their relationship.

Despite this moment of hope, their marriage ultimately ended in 1979.

 

The divorce proceedings between Knight and Hankerson were contentious, marked by a prolonged custody battle over their son, Shanga.

The tension between the former couple deeply affected Shanga’s childhood and sense of security.

Shanga Hankerson’s childhood was marked by significant struggles, many of which stemmed from the turmoil in his parents’ marriage.

By the age of 11, Shanga weighed 320 pounds, a sign of the emotional and psychological toll his family’s difficulties had taken on him.

 

Knight’s own challenges during this period included a gambling addiction that sometimes interfered with her ability to care for her son.

There were times when she missed taking Shanga to school, relying on her mother to step in.

The instability at home led Shanga to seek comfort in food, contributing to his weight gain and health problems.

 

Knight invested considerable resources into helping Shanga overcome his weight issues, enlisting the help of weight loss celebrity Richard Simmons and Weight Watchers Camp.

Despite these efforts, progress was slow, and Knight has expressed regret over moments of frustration, including once calling Shanga a “fat slob,” words she deeply wished she had never said.

As Shanga grew older, his living arrangements changed to support his relationship with both parents.

After moving between Las Vegas and Detroit, he eventually began living full-time with his father at age 21.

 

In 2016, Shanga opened Glattus Knight’s Chicken and Waffles, a restaurant venture that initially seemed promising.

However, the business faced serious legal troubles when agents from the Georgia Department of Revenue raided three of the restaurants and their corporate headquarters.

Shanga was accused of withholding estate taxes and stealing over $650,000 in sales, with total penalties exceeding one million dollars.

 

He spent several hours in jail but was released on bond and denied the theft charges.

Following the raid, Gladys Knight sued Shanga and his companies to remove her name and likeness from the restaurant chain.

By December 2016, a settlement was reached, with Shanga agreeing not to use Knight’s name or engage in conduct that might mislead the public about her involvement.

Today, Shanga Hankerson has pivoted from the restaurant business and is active on social media as a financial consultant.

He promotes services such as credit repair, bankruptcy assistance, child support help, eviction prevention, tax lien resolution, and identity theft protection.

 

This new career path marks a significant shift from his earlier struggles and legal battles, demonstrating a commitment to rebuilding his life and reputation.

 

After her divorce from Barry Hankerson, Gladys Knight married motivational speaker Les Brown in 1995.

Their marriage was short-lived, ending in separation and divorce by 1997.

 

In 2001, Knight married for the fourth time to William McDowell.

The couple has remained together since and currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina.

There, they own a community center and actively participate in various community development projects, giving back and supporting local initiatives.

 

Gladys Knight’s life has been a blend of extraordinary success and profound personal challenges.

Her story is one of resilience—overcoming heartbreak, addiction, family struggles, and public scrutiny while continuing to inspire through her music and community work.

 

At 80, Knight stands as a testament to strength and perseverance.

By finally confirming rumors and sharing her truths, she offers a candid look at the complexities behind the scenes of fame and family.

Her journey reminds us that even icons face struggles, but with love, determination, and support, it is possible to rise above adversity.

Gladys Knight’s legacy extends far beyond her musical achievements.

Her life story—marked by early motherhood, multiple marriages, family hardships, and eventual stability—reflects the human experience in all its complexity.

As she continues to contribute to her community and support those around her, the Empress of Soul remains a powerful symbol of endurance and grace.

 

Her willingness to open up about her past challenges not only humanizes her but also inspires others facing their own battles.

Gladys Knight’s journey is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in embracing both the triumphs and trials that shape us.

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