Music legend Lionel Richie remains hospitalized following a weekend performance in St. Louis, prompting concern among fans as doctors continue evaluating the 77-year-old singer.
Richie performed Saturday, August 29, at The Muny in St. Louis. During the latter portion of the concert, audience members noticed the veteran entertainer appeared to be struggling physically. While performing his final song, “All Night Long,” Richie asked for a chair and completed the performance seated.
Following the concert, Richie checked himself into a local hospital as a precaution.
Early reports indicated doctors were examining whether mild dehydration may have contributed to his condition. More recent reports say Richie remains hospitalized while undergoing additional testing, including evaluation for possible cardiac-related concerns.
A source close to Richie’s tour has said the singer is OK.
The hospitalization comes just months after another health scare during a performance in St. Paul, Minnesota.
In June, Richie became ill onstage during the opening night of his tour, telling the audience that he felt dizzy before cutting the concert short. The incident resulted in postponed performances before Richie eventually returned to the stage.
Richie has remained an active performer decades after becoming one of music’s most recognizable voices.
First rising to international fame with The Commodores before launching an enormously successful solo career, Richie has built a catalog spanning generations with records including “Hello,” “All Night Long,” “Dancing on the Ceiling” and “Endless Love.”
He is also familiar to a younger generation of viewers through his longtime role as a judge on “American Idol.”
Richie’s current hospitalization has naturally raised concerns among fans, particularly following the health episode earlier this summer.
At this time, however, there has been no public announcement indicating that Richie is facing a confirmed serious diagnosis.
His next scheduled performance is not until later in September, giving the singer several weeks away from the stage.
For now, fans around the world are sending well wishes to one of music’s most enduring legends as he undergoes further evaluation.
