Diana Ross, 81, sparks concern after pulling out of performance
The 81-year-old icon was due to headline a three-day showcase cruise launching on August 20 and had even been named the ship's official godmother.
However, in a shock announcement, her team confirmed on Tuesday that Ross would no longer be performing.
'Due to unforeseen circumstances, Diana Ross will be unable to appear,' her rep said in a statement to People.
No further details were given, leaving fans speculating about her condition just weeks after her dazzling set at the Henley Festival.
Ross was scheduled to lead the celebration for the Star of the Seas – state-of-the-art addition to Royal Caribbean's fleet – with a special naming ceremony and headline concert.
The event, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, and heading to Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, was set to be one of the year's biggest at-sea entertainment launches.
Royal Caribbean has since confirmed they're searching for a new godmother, though Ross' absence has clearly left big shoes to fill.
'We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be godmother of Star of the Seas,' the cruise line said in a statement.
Plans to crown a new godmother will be announced 'soon,' they added.
Back in June, Ross had expressed her excitement about the honour.
Ross had even invited her family to join her on the Royal Caribbean cruise before her sudden withdrawal.
'I am truly honoured to join the Royal Caribbean family,' she said in a press release at the time.
'Having spent years creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.'
Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley also praised her selection, calling her 'a true icon' and the perfect figure to represent the brand's celebratory spirit.
Despite the cancellation, Ross has reassured fans she'll still hit the road for her Beautiful Love U.S. tour, which kicks off on August 16 in Saratoga, California.
She's expected to make stops in Newark, Atlantic City, St. Louis, Lincoln, and more, before wrapping up in Palm Springs on December 13.
Over the weekend, Ross took to Instagram to share the full list of dates.
'It's good to be back home,' she wrote.
'The Beautiful Love Tour is coming to cities across the U.S. for unforgettable nights filled with music, memories, and joy.'
She added, 'The tour starts a week from today, on August 16th, at the @mountainwinery in Saratoga, CA. Come join the love celebration.'
Ross also offered some insight into how she's keeping well in her 80s, telling People in June that health and family remain her top priorities.
'I like staying busy,' she said. 'Because I love what I do, it keeps me grounded. I'm swimming a lot lately to stay flexible.'
The Motown queen admitted she's mindful of rest and diet – but not above the occasional indulgence.
'I must get my sleep, which is important to me,' she said. 'I do my best to eat well, but I do like Häagen-Dazs ice cream.'
The singer is a mother to five – including actor Evan Ross, who's married to Ashlee Simpson – and grandmother to eight.
Her family has always been a cornerstone of her life, something she speaks about often and with pride.
'And my family is equally everything to me,' she told People. 'I have been very blessed in my life. I love what I do. I love my family. I love my life. I'm a happy person.'
She also shared her thoughts on staying young at heart.
'The love of what I do keeps me grounded, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,' she said. 'When you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine.' More Trending
Ross rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Supremes, the best-selling girl group of all time.
Hits like Baby Love, You Can't Hurry Love, and Stop! In the Name of Love turned her into a global star.
She later went solo, delivering classics such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Endless Love, I'm Coming Out, and Chain Reaction.
Ross has earned 13 Grammy nominations and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award twice – once as a solo artist in 2012, and again in 2023 with The Supremes.
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