The matriarch of the Knowles-Carter clan opens up about her breast-cancer journey and the loving support of Beyoncé and Solange.

A Shock Diagnosis and a Private Fight

October 28, 2025: At 71, Tina Knowles revealed that she was diagnosed with stage-1 breast cancer after missing a mammogram amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The delayed check-up revealed two tumours in her left breast, leading to a lumpectomy and breast-reduction surgery.

The Moment That Left Her Feeling Held

Before heading into surgery, Tina says she completely broke down. But in that vulnerable moment, her daughters Beyoncé and Solange — together with niece Angie Beyincé — stepped in to support her in a deeply meaningful way.
Right as she was about to be wheeled into the operating room, they surrounded her with love, laughter and song. They chose the gospel tune “Walk With Me”, a familiar piece from their family’s church and music-life background, to lift her spirits. Tina recalled feeling as though a higher presence was watching over her: “God has got me,” she said.

Healing with a Side of Humor

Beyond the song, Tina noted that the energy in the room defied any purely clinical moment.
Solange pulled up a viral TikTok video featuring a young trans woman declaring “I’m very demure and intentional” — which, Tina admitted, made her laugh out loud and helped her quiet the fear. She said she left the room “laughing and feeling so blessed – like everything was going to be okay.”

Why Her Story Resonates

Tina’s willingness to share her journey shines a spotlight on the importance of routine screenings and early detection in women’s health.

The moment with Beyoncé and Solange shows that even icons lean on family when the stakes are real.

The balance of humor, faith and familial love in her account offers a multi-layered picture of resilience rather than just survival.