If there's one thing we know about Gloria Gaynor, it's that she – and her legendary career – will survive the shifting tides of the trend cycle. After all, no one does it quite like our Queen of Disco. From hits like the anthemic 'I Will Survive' to club-ready track 'Never Can Say Goodbye', there's a Gloria song for anyone.
Read on to find out what the singer's been up to since her mega hit was first released.
© Getty ImagesGloria grew up in a musical household
A musical start
Born Gloria Fowles on September 7, 1943, Gloria grew up in a household that valued music. Her father played the guitar and sang, while three of her brothers performed in a gospel quartet.
© Mondadori via Getty ImagesGloria Gaynor found an early triumph with 'Never Can Say Goodbye'
Breakout moment
While performing in New York, Gloria's talent for the stage was scouted out by a talent manager. When a deal with Columbia Records hit a dead end, she transferred to MGM and recorded a remake of the Jackson Five's 'Never Can Say Goodbye'.
It was here she truly broke into the world of music industry heavyweights. The track reached number 9 on the Billboard pop charts in 1975 and found a solid fanbase in the disco genre.
© Getty ImagesHer most famous track 'I Will Survive' was released in 1978
Singing legend
It was in 1978 that her best-loved hit 'I Will Survive' released. Surprisingly, it was first released as a "B" side but made it to number 1 on the Billboard pop chart by 1979.
The following year, the singer won a Grammy for Best Disco Recording and found success again with a 1983 recording of 'I Am What I Am' from the musical La Cage aux Folles.
© Getty ImagesGloria is divorced from her manager Linwood Simon
Romantic life
Gloria was married to her manager, Linwood Simon, for 26 years, tying the knot in 1979. Their divorce was finalized in 2005, with Gloria calling the move "extremely liberating." She credits the turning point to an excruciating migraine, the second in a few days, which didn't elicit any concern from her husband.
The singer told People: "I said, 'OK, I'm done. You really, truly don't care about me, and I'm done.' I'd have to be freakin' comatose not to get that. My friend nailed it when she said it was disregard. You don't know how painful that can be until you experience it."
© WireImage for AWRT via Getty ImagesGloria Gaynor regularly posts in remembrance of her mother and sister Irma
Honoring family
As one of seven children, Gloria grew up in a very busy household. But it's clear she has a lot of love for the rest of the Gaynor family.
She was reportedly especially fond of her younger sister Irma who tragically passed after intervening to protect a woman who was being attacked on the street.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesGloria Gaynor is still busy in the music business today
Where is she now?
Unsurprisingly, Gloria is still hard at work touring and releasing new music. Her latest EP HAPPY TEARS was released in 2025.
The singer is now moving into Summer 2026 as headliner for Boogietown Festival and singing for one night with the Orchestra of Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. Here's to many more years of the Queen of Disco keeping us stuck to the dancefloor!
