Lionel Richie has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit in St. Louis after performing in the city over the weekend, according to TMZ.
Sources with direct knowledge told the outlet that Richie checked himself into a local hospital following his Saturday night performance at The Muny in Forest Park. He reportedly went to the hospital to undergo tests.
He Hopes to Be Discharged Soon
Sources said Richie is being cautious while doctors evaluate him for possible slight dehydration. He is reportedly hoping to be discharged Tuesday.
Witnesses at the concert told TMZ that Richie appeared to be struggling toward the end of the performance.
While singing his final song, “All Night Long,” he reportedly asked his team to bring him a chair so he could sit down while finishing the show.
Fans quickly took to social media to send the singer well wishes following news of his hospitalization.
“Pls LORD NO! He just got out a few weeks ago! We can’t take another!” one wrote.
“Isn’t this the second time he’s been hospitalized in the past few months hope he’s OK,” another added.
Others took to the comment to share prayer emojis with positive messages to for the “American Idol” judge.
“Oh, no! Not ICU! Prayers for a speedy recovery!” some one else noted.
Richie Was Previously Hospitalized
The latest health scare comes after Richie was hospitalized earlier this summer after becoming ill during another concert.
On June 24, Richie was performing in St. Paul, Minnesota, when he told the crowd he felt “dizzy” and “strange.” He cut the performance short, and paramedics met him backstage before taking him to a hospital by ambulance.
Richie spent the night in the hospital following the incident. The health scare also forced him to cancel two scheduled performances in Chicago on June 26 and Columbus on June 27.
He returned to the stage June 30 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and continued performing in the weeks that followed.
Before his latest hospitalization, he took to social media to thank all of his fans for all of their well wishes after his first hospitalization.
“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 wrote at the time.
Despite the recent health issues, the singer has continued sharing moments from his tour on social media and has made it clear that performing remains an important part of his life.
Richie, 77, is currently on the road and has additional performances scheduled. His recent tour stops have included cities across the country, with his next performances planned in Boston, followed by additional dates later this year.
The singer is also known to television audiences as a judge on “American Idol,” alongside Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
For now, Richie’s condition remains under evaluation. The reported hospitalization came after his St. Louis performance, with doctors looking into possible dehydration.
Further details about his health and potential discharge were not immediately available.
