Lionel Richie health update: Why the 77-year-old singing icon has been hospitalised after St. Louis concert?

Legendary musician Lionel Richie was rushed to a St. Louis hospital after performing at The Muny in Forest Park on the night of 29th August, sparking concern among fans. The 77-year-old singer reportedly sought medical attention after wrapping up his concert and underwent a series of tests. Richie was also monitored in the intensive care unit as doctors evaluated his condition. However, the music icon’s latest health update offers some reassurance, with reports stating that he is stable and doing well.

Lionel Richie hospitalisation

According to a report by TMZ, Richie went to the hospital as a precaution. The doctors are treating him for ‘possible slight dehydration’. But he is said to be discharged today, September 1. As per concert-goers, Richie was already struggling to perform by the end of the concert night. He needed a chair while singing his chartbuster All Night Long. The singer completed the song while seated, according to fans, as per TMZ.

The St. Louis hospitalisation has also brought renewed focus to a health scare Richie faced earlier this summer, when he was forced to stop a concert midway through his performance in Minnesota. On June 24, the singer was performing at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul when he reportedly began feeling unwell.

Previous health scare of Lionel Richie

According to TMZ, Richie told the audience that he felt “dizzy” and “strange” before sitting down on stage. He continued to perform briefly but eventually left, prompting organisers to call off the remainder of the show. The incident occurred during Richie's joint Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.

Fans reportedly noticed the singer taking several breaks and sitting down while performing “Dancing On The Ceiling”. His saxophonist, Dino Soldo, later addressed the crowd and confirmed that Richie was unwell and could not continue the concert. Richie subsequently put 2 more shows on hold following medical advice. By July, however, the singer had returned to the road, resuming the tour in Pittsburgh.

All about Lionel Richie

Richie, born on June 20, 1949, made his debut in the music industry as a member of The Commodores, the Motown group, which turned into one of the biggest R&B acts of the 1970s. He kickstarted his solo career in 1982, delivering hit numbers like Hello, All Night Long (All Night), Stuck on You and Say You, Say Me. His songwriting success extended beyond his own records, with We Are the World, the 1985 charity single he co-wrote with Michael Jackson.

In his career spanning decades, Richie has earned 4 Grammys, an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Kennedy Center Honor and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has acted as a judge on American Idol since 2018. Last year, the singer also released his memoir Truly.