Donald Glover has finally revealed the serious health issues that forced him to abruptly cancel his 2024 Childish Gambino world tour, disclosing that he suffered a stroke while performing and subsequently discovered a hole in his heart.
During a performance at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Festival in Los Angeles on Saturday (November 22, 2025) night, the 42-year-old artist shared intimate details about his medical emergency with fans. The revelation came months after he initially canceled tour dates, citing only a vague “ailment” that required surgery.
“I had a really bad pain in my head in Louisiana, and I did the show anyway. I couldn’t really see well, so when we went to Houston, I went to the hospital and the doctor was like, ‘You had a stroke,’” Donald Glover explained to the crowd during his appearance at the festival, which was livestreamed on Amazon Prime Video.
The Atlanta native attempted to lighten the mood with self-deprecating humor, joking about actor Jamie Foxx‘s similar health crisis in 2023. However, he quickly turned serious when describing his initial reaction. “The first thing I thought was like, ‘I’m letting everybody down,’” he admitted.
Wow, truly deep stuff here. Donald Glover has always been one of my favorite artists & celebs in general. I’ve followed him his whole career as the great actor to a great artist that he is. Knowin he had a stroke is wow, glad you are okay❤️ @donaldglover
pic.twitter.com/Rl8UQY1Z4i— Drew (@drizzydrew02) November 23, 2025
The stroke was only the beginning of Donald Glover’s health complications. Medical examinations revealed additional problems requiring immediate attention. “They found a hole in my heart. So I had this surgery, and then I had to have another surgery,” the entertainer told his audience. He also disclosed breaking his foot during this period, compounding his medical challenges.
The health crisis forced Glover to cancel the remainder of his New World Tour after performing just 18 shows. The tour, which promoted his latest album “Bando Stone and the New World,” was intended to span North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Fans who attended his September 1 performance at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena later recalled that he appeared hoarse and mentioned recovering from the flu, not knowing the severity of what was actually happening.
Picture: Paul Smith-Featureflash/depositphotos.com
At the time of the cancellation in October 2024, Donald Glover released a statement on social media explaining he needed surgery and “time out to heal,” though he kept specific details private. The statement promised ticket refunds and emphasized his desire to eventually bring the show to fans.
The medical ordeal has given the Emmy and Grammy-winning artist a new perspective on life. “They say everybody has two lives, and the second life starts when you realize you have one. You should be living your life how you want,” Glover reflected philosophically during his Camp Flog Gnaw appearance.
Photo Credit: Paul Smith/Featureflash/depositphotos.com
Despite the traumatic experience, Donald Glover expressed gratitude toward his supporters and optimism about the future. His return to the stage at the Los Angeles festival marked a significant milestone in his recovery, signaling that he has successfully navigated the health challenges that threatened his career and life.