Lionel Richie has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit in St. Louis after performing in the city over the weekend. The 77-year-old singer checked himself into a local hospital after his Saturday, August 29, concert at The Muny in Forest Park to undergo testing, according to TMZ. Sources told the outlet that doctors are looking into possible slight dehydration and that Richie hopes to be discharged Tuesday, September 1.
Richie appeared to have some difficulty toward the end of the concert and asked for a chair while performing his final song, “All Night Long,” People reports. The hospitalization marks his second health scare on tour this summer after he was taken to a hospital in June when he became dizzy during a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota. Richie is currently touring with Earth, Wind & Fire, with his next performance scheduled for September 26 in San Francisco. His representatives have not publicly confirmed the cause of his latest hospitalization or whether any upcoming shows will be affected.
The Artist Checked Himself Into The Hospital After The Show
Despite being admitted to the ICU, reports indicate that Richie sought medical attention as a precaution rather than because he was known to be in critical condition. A source close to the tour told Us Weekly, “Lionel wanted to get checked out, so he stayed in St. Louis, but he’s OK.” TMZ similarly reported that Richie checked himself in so doctors could run tests.
An attendee who spoke with St. Louis radio station KMOX said Richie was receiving electrolyte drinks throughout the concert. “He was drinking it and explained it was electrolytes,” the attendee recalled. Although Richie eventually used a chair during “All Night Long,” the witness said the singer otherwise maintained good energy and that nothing about the performance suggested he would soon be hospitalized.
Lionel Richie Was Also Hospitalized After A June Concert
Richie previously fell ill during the June 24 opening night of his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in St. Paul. According to People, he told the audience he was feeling dizzy and performed part of the show seated before taking an unexpected break and ultimately ending the concert early. “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” Richie joked to the crowd. He was later taken to a hospital by ambulance and postponed two subsequent concerts after doctors advised him to rest.
Richie returned to the stage June 30 and later reassured concerned fans in a July 4 Instagram post. “I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you,” he wrote while thanking fans for their messages and support. His latest hospitalization comes less than two months after that return, though the reports so far indicate Richie is again being cautious while doctors determine what caused him to feel unwell.
