Lionel Richie’s children are reportedly “crazy scared” they could lose their father as he faces a concerning health scare.
The “American Idol” judge, 77, checked himself into a St. Louis hospital after appearing unwell during a recent concert, with doctors reportedly investigating possible cardiac-related issues, per TMZ.
Lionel’s hospitalization reportedly left his three children, Nicole Richie, 44, Miles Richie, 32, and Sofia Richie, 28, deeply worried about his health.
“His kids are always on him about taking care of himself,” a source told the Daily Mail. “They are worried he could have serious heart issues.”
Lionel Richie’s Daughters Want Him to Slow Down
The outlet added that Lionel’s daughters are particularly concerned about the iconic singer and have urged him to take things slowly.
“His daughters, especially, really want him to slow down because he means so much to them; he has always been there for them; he has been like a Super Dad,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice reported that Lionel’s family believes his health scare should be a wake-up call for the singer.
“This wasn’t just an off night,” a source told the outlet. “The people closest to Lionel have been worried for a while. They’ve been urging him to slow down, but he keeps insisting he’s fine.”
The insider added, “His children and loved ones don’t want to lose him. They’d rather have him home making memories with his family than proving he can still fill arenas. He’s got nothing left to prove.”
Lionel Richie Being ‘Doted On’ By Family as He Recovers at Home
Following his three-day hospitalization, Lionel is reportedly back home and being “doted on” by his family, according to the Daily Mail. The singer is said to be “feeling OK” and back to his “usual jovial mood.”
The report added that Lionel’s loved ones are urging him to take the warning signs seriously.
“Lionel likes to stay busy, he can’t sit still, and loves his career momentum,” the source told the outlet. “Work is like an addiction for him and he refuses to retire.”
Despite the concern, Lionel is said to be eager to return to the stage soon. “Lionel will be Lionel,” the source noted. “He still loves touring and being out there performing, and he wants to keep doing that for a long time.”
In June, Lionel cut his performance short after becoming ill onstage. At the time, he told the crowd that he was feeling dizzy and joked that he had never performed “Dancing on the Ceiling” sitting down.
Lionel went on to postpone two more shows that month to “rest and return to full health,” before returning to the stage on June 30.
Then, during his August show, Lionel asked his team to bring him a chair while he performed his final song, “All Night Long.” He later checked himself into a local hospital to have some tests run, according to TMZ.
Lionel’s next show is scheduled for September 26 in San Francisco, though it’s unclear whether the performance will go ahead as planned.
