Crystal Gayle Gives Health Update After Being Forced to Back Out of Performances: 'Never Had Anything Like This' (Exclusive)
- - Crystal Gayle Gives Health Update After Being Forced to Back Out of Performances: 'Never Had Anything Like This' (Exclusive)
Chris BarillaJanuary 14, 2026 at 3:25 AM
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Crystal Gayle in Frisco, Texas in May 2025 -
Crystal Gayle tells PEOPLE that she recently encountered a meniscus injury, which has left her unable to attend the 2026 Your Roots Are Showing conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she was set to be a keystone performer
“These things happen and you don't want it to," Gayle explains, while clarifying, "I've never had anything like this ... mentally, you're going through a 'why me?' "
In terms of further medical intervention, the singer shares, "And I'm sure a lot of people out there have dealt with it and gone their own way and have their own suggestions. But it's really ... I'll be doing things soon"
Crystal Gayle is getting candid about a recent injury that has left her unable to perform.
The iconic singer, songwriter and entertainer, 75, tells PEOPLE that having to cancel public appearances due to a fairly fresh meniscus injury that she sustained has taken "a toll" on her both "mentally and physically."
“These things happen and you don't want it to," Gayle explains, while clarifying, "I've never had anything like this ... mentally, you're going through a 'why me?' "
Gayle was slated as a keystone appearance at the 2026 edition of the Your Roots Are Showing conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which brings together the likes of the "Half the Way" singer as well as Amy Grant, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Wyatt Ellis and dozens of other performers from across the globe for nearly a week of activities in the Northern Irish capital. However, uncertainty around her torn meniscus and questions from doctors regarding the possibility of blood clots forming while flying left her unable to make it across the pond for the conference.
Speaking about recovery in a long-term sense, Gayle shares, “I know people have, and there are all different types of surgeries they do. So we'll see what I'm going to do.”
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Crystal Gayle in Frisco, Texas in May 2025
Gayle also notes that she has been consulting a handful of specialists to decide how best to manage the rest of her recovery journey, highlighting that “different doctors have different ideas of how to deal with it."
"And I'm sure a lot of people out there have dealt with it and gone their own way and have their own suggestions. But it's really ... I'll be doing things soon," she adds.
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"I can go and sit and sing, but it does put you in a different place mentally ... it is harder to get around, but hopefully in the near future, it won't be," the artist maintains.
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Crystal Gayle in Frisco, Texas in May 2025
Gayle's husband, manager and co-songwriter, Bil Gatzimos, also shared an official statement from his wife on the incident, which noted, "I was truly looking forward to coming to Belfast — singing a few songs, sharing some stories, and spending time with everyone. But my doctor tells me this knee isn’t ready for those overseas miles just yet. I promise I’ll be ‘Ready for the Times to Get Better’ — just not at 30,000 feet next week. Thank you for your understanding, and I hope we can make it up to you soon."
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When she is further along in her recovery journey, Gayle tells PEOPLE she looks forward to "doing is things with my grandson, who's five."
"Being able to do a little bit more activity with him would be great. But he's very careful. He says, 'Your knee hurts,' " Gayle shares with a laugh.
Ultimately, despite her recent medical situation, the singer says, "I've had a great career. I've had so many wonderful people behind me, behind the scenes, as well as people coming to the concerts. And I feel very lucky."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
