Patti LaBelle got emotional Saturday when celebrating her 81st birthday in front of a sold-out crowd in Brooklyn.

LaBelle, who performed with Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills and Chaka Khan, got choked up when she talked about touring with her long-time friends.

“We don’t take that for granted. We are such hardworking women,” she said, per PEOPLE. “I’ve been doing it for 65 years, and to still have people come to see our show, we are truly blessed.

“I can’t do all of this without my band, my crew, my lighting, my sound, my security — which I don’t need — but I’ve got Will. And this is for my son, Zuri. God bless all of you.”

The Grammy-winning singer also talked about her latest birthday.

“Let me say something. I have so many people who are afraid to say how young they are,” she told the crowd. “Don’t be scared. 81 is wonderful, okay? Happy birthday.”

She was later joined on stage, per the report, by a large group of people, including her son and longtime manager, Zuri Kye Edwards.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.