Dionne Warwick, 85, cancels Carnegie Hall performance due to severe pain, gives heartfelt apology
Legendary singer Dionne Warwick made the difficult decision to cancel a weekend performance at Carnegie Hall due to mobility issues with her leg and foot.
The five-time Grammy winner was slated to appear Sunday at the Deborah Silver & Fabulous Friends: Voices for ALS charity benefit at Zankel Hall in New York City.
“I’m sorry to have had to cancel the chance to see you all at Carnegie,” Warwick, 85, said in a statement to Page Six. “My leg and foot would not allow me to stand nor walk at the moment.”
“Due to the pain, I just couldn’t do anything other than cancel my appearance this time, as I focus on rest and recovering from it.”
Warwick asked for understanding and grace, as “only the pain and inability to stand or walk is the reason for my absence.”
Warwick has graced the stage at Carnegie Hall several times over the course of her historic career.
The “That’s What Friends Are For” artist revealed in September 2025 that she underwent surgery on her leg due to “unbearable” pain, but assured her fans she was doing well in recovery at the time.
We’re told cabaret veteran Marilyn Maye answered Silver’s call and filled in for Warwick, taking the stage alongside Jon Secada and his daughter Mikaela Secada and jazz singer Stella Cole.
Silver and her husband funded the night for a good cause — from the rental and production costs to performer fees — to make sure every ticket dollar went to ALS research.
Warwick’s career spans decades, with classics like “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?”
She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
When she’s back in front of the microphone, it’s safe to say her fans will be just as excited as she is.