Donald Glover says he had a stroke last year

Donald Glover's Health Scare

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, revealed during a performance in Los Angeles that he suffered a stroke last year, which forced him to cancel his worldwide tour. He experienced intense head pain while in Louisiana but continued performing before going to the hospital in Houston where doctors diagnosed the stroke. Following the stroke, he discovered he had a hole in his heart that required surgery and additional medical procedures. The health issues led him to postpone and eventually cancel the rest of his U.S., UK, European, and Australian shows.

Impact on Career and Recovery

Glover expressed that his first thought after the diagnosis was disappointment in letting his fans down. After surgery, he faced a challenging recovery, waking up twenty days later unable to walk and spending time in Chicago for rehabilitation and therapy. Though his condition has significantly improved, the experience left a lasting impact on him. He reflected on life as precious, stating, "They say everyone has two lives, and the second begins when you realize you only have one".

Public Disclosure and Performances

The announcement came unexpectedly during a concert at Tyler, the Creator's Flogaw Carnival in Los Angeles in November 2025, where Glover shared his health story and expressed gratitude for the support from fans. He also mentioned the decision to retire the Childish Gambino persona, emphasizing the blessing of the life he has shared with his audience through his creative work.

"I was enjoying this world tour and having a blast. I felt an intense pain in my head while in Louisiana, but I proceeded with the show regardless... when we arrived in Houston, I went to the hospital, where the doctor informed me, 'You’ve had a stroke.'"
— Donald Glover


Donald Glover's experience highlights the sudden and serious nature of his health issues, the resilience in his recovery, and the impact on his career and personal outlook.

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CBC.ca CBC.ca — 2025-11-24

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