Tina Knowles Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis in New Memoir

LOS ANGELES, CA — Tina Knowles, the mother of music icons Beyoncé and Solange, has opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis in her new memoir, “Matriarch: A Memoir,” released on April 22, 2025. The 71-year-old entrepreneur revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer after a long delay in her scheduled mammograms.

Knowles first received the shocking news in July 2024, shortly after she and her daughters launched a fashion line. While the diagnosis came as a surprise, she emphasized the importance of early detection. “If I had not gotten my test early, I shudder to think what could have happened to me,” she told PEOPLE magazine in an exclusive interview.

During her health ordeal, Knowles described feeling private about sharing her journey. Ultimately, she decided to include her experience in her memoir to inspire other women. She mentioned that she had missed her mammogram two years prior, largely due to COVID-19 disruptions. “You cannot play around with that,” she warned.

As Knowles navigated her diagnosis, both of her daughters provided unwavering support. According to her, Beyoncé approached the news with positivity, treating it as a task to conquer. “She would find me the top specialist,” Knowles recalled, adding that Solange also stood by her through the ordeal.

After her diagnosis, Knowles underwent surgery, which included tumor removal and a breast reduction. Now cancer-free, she expressed her gratitude for early detection and shared her story to motivate others to prioritize their health screenings. “I want to give people hope,” she stated. “What scares me now is not making the best of every day that I have left in this life.”

In thrilling news for her fans, Oprah Winfrey endorsed Knowles’ memoir as part of Oprah’s Book Club. Winfrey praised Knowles for not just being Beyoncé’s mother, but a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. “This fascinating memoir of her journey will inspire many,” Winfrey stated in a press release.

For those interested in Knowles’ health journey and her family dynamics, “Matriarch: A Memoir” is available on newsstands everywhere. Knowles’ story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and the power of family support during challenging times.