Tina Knowles, the 71-year-old mother of global superstar Beyoncé, opened up about her secret battle with breast cancer during an emotional interview with CBS Mornings' Gayle King on April 21, 2025. In a candid discussion, Knowles revealed that she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer after doctors discovered two tumors during a routine mammogram appointment.
Reflecting on the experience, Knowles shared how her family came together to support her during this challenging time. Just before her surgery, they sought to lighten the mood by watching a humorous video featuring trans social media star Jools Lebron, known for her catchphrase "very demure, very mindful." Knowles recounted, "I was nervous and so they started just joking with me... Solange pulls out this video of a trans woman and she's saying, 'I'm very demure,' and we're just laughing at it..." This moment of levity helped her to calm her nerves before heading into surgery.
In addition to the laughter, Knowles noted that her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, sang a Destiny's Child song titled "Walk with Me" to uplift her spirits. "It's about God walking with you into something and protecting you," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "And I went in there feeling just like God has got me."
Despite the support, Knowles faced significant hurdles during her recovery. She contracted a severe post-surgical infection, which nearly caused her to miss Glamour's 2024 Women of the Year event in October. "A lot of my life, I just refused to be recognized. I would never take an award. I would never want the attention to me... and this was my saying, 'I deserve this,'" she explained.
Knowles emphasized the importance of regular cancer screenings, particularly for women over the age of 55. She revealed that her cancer diagnosis might have been caught earlier had she not delayed her mammogram appointment. Doctors informed her that if she had maintained regular screenings, the cancer could have been detected at Stage 0, a non-invasive stage where the disease has not spread beyond the breast tissue.
In a separate interview with People magazine published on April 22, 2025, Knowles recounted the moment she learned of her diagnosis. In July 2024, during a mammogram, doctors found a cancerous tumor in her left breast alongside a benign mass in her right breast. She admitted to missing her scheduled mammogram due to COVID-19 cancellations, which contributed to the delayed diagnosis. "I thought I had done it. So you cannot play around with that," she cautioned, urging other women to prioritize their health.
Throughout her journey, Knowles has aimed to share her experience to empower other women. "I struggled with whether I would share that journey [in the book] because I'm very private. But I decided to share it because I think it's a lot of lessons in it for other women," she said. Her memoir, titled "Matriarch," was released on the same day as her interview, encapsulating her reflections and lessons learned during her battle with cancer.
As she navigated her diagnosis and treatment, Knowles was adamant about not letting the illness define her. After surgery, she felt grateful to be cancer-free and determined to inspire hope in others. "I want to give people hope," she said. "What scares me now is not making the best of every day that I have left in this life."
In a heartwarming show of support, Beyoncé and Solange rallied around their mother during her recovery. They not only provided emotional support but also helped her through practical challenges. Beyoncé even arranged for one of the top breast surgery specialists in the country to consult with Knowles after she felt dismissed by her initial doctor.
Knowles highlighted how crucial it is for individuals, especially women of color, to seek second opinions when it comes to their health. "A lot of people, especially Black people, feel they have to go with the doctor they are given, even if we are not treated well," she said. "You deserve second opinions, and it’s your opinion that sets the decision."
As she continues to recover, Knowles remains an advocate for health awareness and screenings. She encourages women to take charge of their health by not neglecting their check-ups, as she did. "I didn't know that there was a stage 0. I could have caught this at stage 0 if I had not missed my mammogram," she reiterated.
In conclusion, Tina Knowles' story is not just about her personal battle with cancer but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of regular health screenings and the strength of family support during difficult times. Her journey underscores how crucial it is for women to prioritize their health and seek help when needed, ensuring they don’t face similar challenges alone.
