Gloria Gaynor: The Woman Behind 'I Will Survive'

Hey there, let me tell you about Gloria Gaynor. For her, "I Will Survive" isn’t just a disco anthem that everyone knows and loves—it’s a life philosophy. Gloria, who's 80 now, took home a 1980 Grammy for Best Disco Recording with that iconic track. But the song means so much more to her. It’s been her guiding light through life’s ups and downs.

“When you're in the darkest moments of your life, it’s crucial to recognize that there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel. There were times I felt completely lost in the darkness, but somehow, that light always found me when I needed it most,” Gloria shared exclusively with Closer.

Since the song dropped in 1978, it’s resonated deeply with fans around the world. Gloria explains, “I truly believe that ‘I Will Survive’ has become the cornerstone of my mission: to bring hope, encouragement, and empowerment to people everywhere.” Now, that powerful message is the title of a new documentary, Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive. It premieres in over 900 theaters nationwide on Galentine’s Day, February 13.

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When Did Gloria Know She Was Meant to Sing?

Her Early Days

Gloria’s journey began when she was just 13 years old. Standing in the hallway of her apartment building, she started singing Frankie Lymon’s “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.” Her neighbor walked by and said, “Oh my goodness, I thought that was the radio!” That moment gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams.

Artists Who Inspired Her

Gloria credits Nancy Wilson as a huge influence. “I adored her voice and style—not just her singing, but the way she carried herself and dressed. She was the epitome of class, and I admired that so much,” Gloria reminisces. Years later, in her 40s, she finally got the chance to meet Nancy and tell her how much her song “Save Your Love for Me” meant to her—it was the first song Gloria ever performed in public.

The Sacrifices Gloria Made for Her Career

Building a career wasn’t easy. In the early days, Gloria worked multiple jobs. She was a sales auditor at Bamberger’s department store from 9 to 5, styled hair at a beauty shop from 6 to 10, and sang at clubs from 10:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. Later, as her career took off, she worked tirelessly, performing 360 days a year in the mid-70s. “In New York, I’d do five sets a night, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., working nonstop for 45 minutes and resting for only 15,” she recalls.

Exhaustion on the Road

One night in Europe, Gloria woke up in a hotel room, disoriented. “I didn’t even know what country I was in! It was hilarious and exhausting all at once,” she laughs.

Gloria’s Legacy

What Makes Her Proud?

Gloria is incredibly proud of her Grammy win for “I Will Survive.” But beyond awards, she cherishes the respect her fans show her. Once, while walking down the street, she overheard kids debating whether she was Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, or Dionne Warwick. “When the last kid said, ‘No, that’s Miss Gaynor,’ it really hit me,” she says.

The Meaning Behind ‘I Will Survive’

When Gloria first sang the song, her mind was heavy with the loss of her mother. “She was my role model, teaching me to be strong and independent. Losing her when I was 25 was devastating. I lost my footing for a while,” she shares.

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Today, when she performs the song, Gloria feels a deeper connection. “I believe I’m fulfilling my purpose alongside God’s plan. I’ve always wanted to give my audience something that stays with them long after the concert ends,” she explains.

Gloria’s Personal Growth

In her late 60s, Gloria went back to school and earned a degree in psychology. “After my divorce in 2005, I started seeing a therapist to ensure I didn’t carry any baggage into future relationships. It was life-changing. My therapist became a great friend,” she says. Gloria plans to use her education to help others, particularly abandoned daughters, by partnering with organizations that support absentee fathers.

Faith and Resilience

Gloria’s life hasn’t been without challenges—health issues, the murder of her sister, a troubled marriage, and financial struggles after her divorce. Yet, she remains steadfast in her faith. “I don’t always understand God’s plan, but I trust Him. It’s like trusting your parents; sometimes you don’t get why they do what they do, but you trust them anyway,” she reflects.

Gloria’s Thoughts on Love and Life

Dating and Relationships

While Gloria jokes about the perks of being single—“One less bell to answer and one less egg to fry!”—she’s open to dating. “I love men. I grew up with five brothers and prefer male company. Unfortunately, men don’t seem too interested in just being friends. Luckily, I have a few gay friends, like Felipe Rose from the Village People,” she says.

What Keeps Her Busy?

Gloria’s fragrance, “Survive by Gloria Gaynor,” launched last year. “When designing the perfume, I wanted it to disarm people. Women often wear fragrances to impress men, but sometimes you need to disarm them instead,” she explains. Next on her list? A shoe and clothing line, plus a new album she plans to record in Nashville.

Cooking and Her Dream Home

If you ever visit Gloria’s house, don’t miss her piña colada cake. “It’s a yellow cake with pineapple and coconut mixed into the batter, topped with coconut-pecan frosting,” she describes. Gloria’s dream home is a testament to her success. “Growing up, our house was so run-down that someone broke in by knocking the door off its hinges. We couldn’t fix it because the wood was too rotten. Now, my house is everything I ever dreamed of and more,” she beams.