Family matriarch and mother of Beyoncé and Solange, Tina Knowles, has revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in a candid interview with CBS Mornings. The 71-year-old credited her survival to the swift action taken after a delayed mammogram appointment unearthed two tumors in her left breast. As reported by CBS News, Knowles expressed shock at the diagnosis, stating, "I've always tried to take care of myself. I just … was in disbelief."
Doctors found that one of the tumors was benign, while the other harbored Stage 1 cancer. Knowles also highlighted that the missed mammogram during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic might have delayed the discovery which could have been identified at Stage 0 had the screenings been regular. According to KHOU, doctors reiterated that earlier detection could have caught the cancer when it’s typically confined to the breast ducts, but fortunately, the cancer had not spread and was slow-growing. Knowles has successfully undergone a lumpectomy and is now cancer-free.
Amidst her health crisis, Knowles experienced an abundance of support from her family, including her superstar daughters. Ahead of her surgery, Beyoncé, Solange, and other close family members were present at the hospital, infusing the tense atmosphere with laughter and music. In one particularly touching moment detailed by CBS News, Solange and niece Angie Beyincé serenaded her with the song "Walk With Me," a gesture that left Knowles feeling protected and empowered as she entered surgery.
Knowles' resolve was tested again when she almost missed the Glamour's 2024 Women of the Year event due to a post-surgical infection. Despite her family's concerns—Beyoncé notably advised her, "Mama, you're not yourself ... Your health is more important. Don't go"—Knowles chose to attend, claiming the honor as a recognition she finally allowed herself to accept. She conveyed at the event how her daughters' support was pivotal: "With them, I could get through anything," Tina said, as obtained by CBS News.
In a twist that's something out of a book club enthusiast's dream, Oprah Winfrey selected Knowles' memoir "Matriarch" for her esteemed book club. Winfrey's endorsement came as a delightful shock to Knowles, who was expecting a call from a printing company only to hear the media mogul's voice. According to KHOU, "When I heard her voice, I cried!" Knowles admitted. "I have such a rich history with Oprah. Writing a book about your life is a scary thing. It’s almost like having a baby. It’s so personal and sacred to you that you want people to love it and not ever say anything bad about it.” Yet, she was ultimately gratified with Winfrey's approval, affirming the personal significance of her book.
