Lionel Richie is in intensive care at a St. Louis hospital following his Saturday night performance at The Muny in Forest Park — the second time in two months the music icon has been rushed to hospital after falling ill during a concert.
A Troubling Night in St. Louis
Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ that Richie, 77, checked himself into a local hospital after his August 29 performance, where doctors are investigating possible slight dehydration. He is currently being treated in the intensive care unit, though sources say he is being cautious and is hopeful of being discharged soon.
Witnesses at the concert reported that Richie appeared to be struggling towards the end of the show. During his final song, the classic "All Night Long," he asked his crew to bring him a chair so he could sit down to finish the performance — a moment that clearly concerned those in attendance.
Not the First Scare This Summer
The St. Louis hospitalisation follows a frightening incident in June, when Richie was taken to hospital by ambulance after falling ill onstage during a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota. He told the audience he was feeling unwell before cutting the show short, with paramedics meeting him backstage.
"Now, what I have learned about my years of being in the business — when you are feeling dizzy, sit your a** down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your a** down."
That Minnesota show was halted approximately one hour in, with saxophonist Dino Soldo returning to the stage to inform the crowd that Richie would not be able to continue. Reports also noted that the singer had previously postponed two further shows after falling ill and swaying uncontrollably at an earlier concert.
Following his recovery from the June episode, Richie returned to the stage and reassured fans via Instagram that he was doing well.
"Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love. I'm doing well, and I'm grateful for all of you."
He subsequently performed a string of shows on his All Night Long tour, including dates in Pittsburgh and Detroit, before the latest health setback in Missouri.
A Summer of Setbacks
The health concerns have also had knock-on effects for his planned UK commitments. Richie had been scheduled to headline a concert series at the historic Audley End estate, with further dates at Englefield Estate and the Sandringham Estate.
The events, organised by HeritageLive, also featured Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson on the bill. However, organisers confirmed the festival's cancellation, citing far lower than average ticket sales and describing it as "heartbreaking news." This would have marked HeritageLive's 10th year.
Representatives for Richie had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
