Music legend Lionel Richie, 77, has checked himself into the intensive care unit after being hospitalized following a concert in St. Louis.
The four-time Grammy Award winner gave concertgoers another scare after being hospitalized for the second time in recent weeks
Richie is currently touring with legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire on the “Sing a Song All Night Long Tour.”
Richie struggled through his performance at the Muny venue on Aug. 29.
At the end of his set, he needed his team to bring him a chair while performing his 1983 hit, “All Night Long.”
According to reports, Richie’s hospitalization was said to be a precaution.
Doctors ran tests for possible “slight dehydration” or other conditions. He is expected to be discharged on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Richie’s latest health scare sent shockwaves across social media, sparking widespread debate online regarding the primary culprit behind his ICU visit.
“Doubt it’s for dehydration, they don’t put you in the ICU for that,” one person wrote in the TMZ comment section.
A second person echoed that concern by writing, “Sounds pretty bad if in ICU.” Similarly, a third wondered, “Why would he be in the ICU for slight dehydration?”
“Lionel better go on and sideline it. Chill and relax, man,” advised one fan.
Instagram users also weighed in on the news that Richie needed recent hospital treatment.
Prayers continued pouring out for the “American Idol” judge.
“Omg Lionel please get well sending prayers,” exclaimed a distressed fan. Another said, “Get well soon my love. Praying for your quick recovery.”
The “Sing A Song All Night Long Tour” began on a troubling note.
Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire kicked off the trek in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 24.
By the end of opening night, reports circulated claiming that Richie ended his portion of the concert earlier than expected.
The former lead vocalist of the Commodores had to take a seat as he sang “Dancing on the Ceiling.” He told the audience, “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down.”
Ritchie eventually left the stage after announcing an “intermission,” but he never returned. Around 40 minutes later, saxophonist Dino Soldo updated the audience.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” Soldo, 53, said. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”
Richie was treated backstage by paramedics, then taken by ambulance to a local hospital. That hospitalization was also referred to as a “precautionary measure.”
Following the abrupt end to his tour opener in St. Paul, medical professionals advised him to rest and recuperate.
In response, his management team officially postponed his scheduled June 26 show in Chicago and his June 27 show in Columbus, Ohio
The Academy Award-winning songwriter ended his short-lived break by making his return to the stage on June 30 in Pittsburgh.
Richie also performed in Detroit on July 1. Three days later, he shared his first post-hospital message on Instagram.
“Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love,” Ritchie wrote to his followers. “I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”
The Alabama-born entertainer continued, “Pittsburgh and Detroit were an absolute joy. The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd… we made real memories together.”
Richie is not the only one who faced health issues on tour.
In early August, Earth, Wind & Fire Member drummer John Paris suffered a “cardiac incident,” according to TMZ, forcing the group to abruptly cancel a show.
As a member of the Commodores, Richie became a breakout star of Motown Records in the 1970s before launching a legendary solo career yielding five Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles.
Mega-hits like 1981’s “Endless Love” with Diana Ross, 1983’s “All Night Long (All Night),” and 1984’s “Hello” helped cement Richie as a definitive pop superstar of the 1980s.
Music lovers just suffered a huge loss when fellow chart-topping singer Dolly Parton passed away on Aug. 25 at 80.
Once he’s out of the hospital, Richie is next scheduled to perform in San Francisco on Sept. 26.
