Music legend Lionel Richie has been hospitalised in St. Louis after performing at The Muny on Saturday, August 29, with the 77-year-old singer undergoing medical tests following concerns about his health.
Richie checked himself into a local hospital after the performance, with his decision described by a source close to his tour as being made “out of an abundance of caution”. ABC News first reported the hospitalisation, citing a source close to the singer’s tour.
Richie expected to leave hospital
When news of the hospitalisation first emerged, Richie was reportedly hoping to be discharged on Tuesday.
However, a later update from TMZ said doctors were conducting tests for possible cardiac-related issues and that his expected discharge had shifted to Wednesday, September 2. The report said doctors had initially also been investigating possible mild dehydration.
People also reported that Richie was undergoing cardiac tests in the St. Louis ICU and was expected to fly home on Wednesday.
There has been no public statement from Richie’s family confirming a specific diagnosis.
His representatives have also not publicly disclosed a detailed medical explanation. The Los Angeles Times reported that a representative declined to comment on the reason for his hospitalisation or his prognosis, although Richie was reported to be stable and doing well.
A source close to the singer’s tour separately told Rolling Stone that Richie was “OK” following the hospitalisation, although the source did not provide details about what had led him to seek medical attention.
He needed a chair during ‘All Night Long’
Concern began during Richie’s St. Louis performance, where concertgoers noticed that the veteran performer appeared to be struggling toward the end of the show.
Witnesses reported that Richie performed his final number, the classic “All Night Long”, while sitting down after asking his team to bring him a chair.
Reporsts state that Richie was seen leaning on a piano during the concert before eventually sitting for the final song. The outlet said possible dehydration was initially being considered as a reason for his condition. He is also said to have been repeatedly drinking electrolyte beverages during the performance. An audience member described seeing a waiter bring the singer what appeared to be an electrolyte drink.
Second health scare this year
The latest hospitalisation comes only months after another health scare during Richie’s tour.
In June, the singer became dizzy and appeared unwell during a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota. He stopped the performance early and was taken to hospital, resulting in the postponement of subsequent shows in Chicago and Columbus.
CBS News reported that Richie told the Minnesota audience he was feeling dizzy before ending the performance.
He subsequently returned to the stage and continued his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
In July Richie had reassured fans that he was doing well after the earlier health scare.
Still one of music’s biggest stars
Despite the recent health concerns, Richie remains one of the most celebrated figures in popular music.
The former Commodores frontman went on to build a hugely successful solo career with songs including “Hello”, “All Night Long”, “Dancing on the Ceiling”, “Say You, Say Me” and “Three Times a Lady”.
He is a four-time Grammy Award winner and co-wrote “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson in 1985. He has also served as a judge on American Idol since 2018.
Richie is currently on his “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. His next scheduled performance is in San Francisco on September 26, although his current hospitalisation could affect those plans depending on his recovery.
For now, fans are waiting for further information from Richie, his representatives or family as doctors complete their tests.
