Music legend Lionel Richie has sparked widespread concern after reportedly remaining in an intensive care unit in St. Louis while doctors investigate possible cardiac-related issues following a difficult moment during his latest concert.
The 77-year-old Grammy-winning singer checked himself into a local hospital after performing at The Muny in Forest Park, St. Louis, on Saturday, August 29. According to TMZ, Richie is undergoing testing related to his heart, although no specific cardiac diagnosis has been publicly confirmed.
Fans attending the concert reportedly noticed that the veteran performer appeared to be struggling toward the end of the show. During his closing performance of his smash hit “All Night Long,” Richie asked his team to bring him a chair so he could continue performing while seated.
Video from the concert also showed the music icon appearing to lean on a piano for support at one stage of the performance.
Initial reports suggested doctors were examining whether mild dehydration may have contributed to his condition. However, subsequent reports revealed that medical professionals were also conducting cardiac-related tests while Richie remained under observation in the ICU.
The development is particularly concerning because it comes only months after Richie experienced another health scare on stage.
During the June 24 opening night of his tour in St. Paul, Minnesota, the legendary singer told the audience that he felt dizzy and strange before cutting the performance short. Paramedics attended to him backstage before he was transported to a hospital by ambulance. Shows in Chicago and Columbus were subsequently postponed.
Richie later returned to performing and reassured fans that he was doing well.
Despite the latest hospitalization, reports indicate that Richie is in good spirits and is expected to be released from the hospital and fly home on Wednesday, September 2, if everything proceeds as expected.
The singer’s representatives had not publicly announced a specific diagnosis at the time of reporting.
For millions of fans worldwide, the latest health scare has prompted an outpouring of concern for the man behind timeless hits including “Hello,” “All Night Long,” “Easy” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
