Beyoncé’s Sister Solange, 38, Reveals ‘Debilitating’ Health Diagnoses
The singer had previously mentioned undergoing treatment for undisclosed medical conditions, leading to the cancellation of her performances.
Solange Knowles commented on an Instagram post from her fellow musician Shaun Ross, sharing that she had received multiple health diagnoses in 2018.
Solange Knowles is seen arriving to the New York Ballet 2022 Fall Fashion Gala at Lincoln Center in New York City, on September 28, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Shaun spoke openly on October 14, 2024, about his experience with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) following long COVID-19, prompting Solange to share her own story in solidarity.
Solange revealed that she, too, had been diagnosed with POTS, along with Sjögren’s syndrome and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) in 2018.
Solange Knowles attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, on May 7, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
POTS’s main symptom is orthostatic intolerance (OI). OI is a condition that makes it hard for the body to adjust to standing up. When someone with POTS stands, not enough blood flows back to the heart, which can cause them to feel dizzy or even faint.
Solange Knowles attends the 70th Annual Parsons Benefit at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York City, on May 21, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
In contrast, Sjögren’s syndrome is a long-term autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, leading to symptoms like dry eyes and a dry mouth.
Solange Knowles is seen at LAX in Los Angeles, California, on July 26, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
As for MCAS, it is a condition where a person repeatedly experiences severe allergy-like symptoms, including hives, swelling, low blood pressure, trouble breathing, and intense diarrhea.
Solange attends the Stuart Weitzman FW18 Presentation and Cocktail Party at The Pool in New York City, on February 8, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Solange empathized with those in a similar health journey as hers, “Sending u [sic] so much love and strength Shaun and to all in the comments struggling with the debilitating, confusing, and lonely symptoms of POTS!”
Solange Knowles for Saint Heron celebrates partnership in Los Angeles, California, on August 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In her comment, the singer acknowledged Dysautonomia International, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by autonomic nervous system disorders. The singer noted that they were a great resource to her.
Solange Knowles arrives for Gucci – Cruise Show 2025 at Tate Modern in London, England, on May 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
She added, “I feel really grateful for the spoonie community for holding me down during my times of complete uncertainty! Sending an abundance of love your way.”
Solange Knowles comments on a post from her fellow musician Shaun Ross, sharing her multiple health diagnoses, on October 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/shaunross/
The singer’s state of health caused her to cancel her performances in the past. In November 2017, she called off her performance at Florida State University’s Homecoming concert.
Solange’s management released a statement that read, “Due to a medical condition, Solange is unfortunately prohibited from live performances until further notice by her team of doctors.”
Solange performs onstage during Day for Night festival in Houston, Texas, on December 17, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Now, the 38-year-old has hinted as to why she hadn’t been public about her diagnoses until today, saying that she, “really relate to not wanting your health to be your identity.”
Back in 2017, Solange, who is Beyonce Knowles’s sister, shared that she had missed out on opportunities due to her firm stance on “owning” her body and controlling how it’s portrayed. She credited this resolve to their mother, Tina Knowles, though she acknowledged that facing industry pressures has been difficult.
Tina, Solange, and Beyonce Knowles, from a post dated September 30, 2022 | Source: Instagram/solangeknowles/
The singer explained what owning her body was about, “That can mean a lot of things. That can be in physical form — wanting to have control over my physical body — and also wanting to have control in the way it is presented to the world.”
Solange has remained committed to owning her experiences and her body, speaking openly about them on her own terms, free from external pressure.
