Donald Glover Reveals 2024 Stroke and Heart Surgery as Reason for Tour Cancellation

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, has revealed that a life-threatening stroke was the “ailment” that forced him to cancel his New World Tour in late 2024.

Speaking to a crowd during an emotional “where have I been” monologue at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival on November 22, 2025, the 42-year-old artist detailed experiencing severe head pain and blurred vision during a show in Louisiana. Despite the symptoms, he finished the performance before seeking help in Houston, where he received the diagnosis.

The health crisis led to further medical discoveries, including a hole in his heart that required two separate surgeries, as well as a broken foot during the same period. Reflecting on his recovery, Glover shared a poignant message about the fragility of life, telling fans that a person’s “second life” begins the moment they realize they only have one.

Now focused on his health and clarity, he described the time spent with his audience as a blessing and encouraged them to live authentically, noting that the experience has fundamentally reshaped his perspective on his career and personal well-being.