Singer Lionel Richie has been hospitalized in an intensive care unit after becoming unwell following a concert in Missouri.
Richie sought medical attention at a St. Louis facility after performing Saturday night at The Muny in Forest Park, according to TMZ. He reportedly went to the hospital for precautionary testing.
Sources close to Richie told the outlet that he was still in the ICU as of Monday afternoon while doctors evaluated him for “possible dehydration,” according to UNILAD. GB News reported that people close to the singer said he was hoping to leave the hospital as early as Tuesday.
Lionel Richie appeared to be in high spirits as he performed for a packed crowd in St. Louis, with photos from the night showing the singer smiling, playing piano and commanding the stage. But footage from the final stretch of the concert captured a more concerning moment.
Toward the end of Richie’s performance, people from the audience told PEOPLE that Richie appeared to be struggling.
While performing “All Night Long,” Richie appeared to struggle and turned toward the side of the stage, seemingly signaling for something. A crew member then brought out a chair, which Richie eventually sat in as he continued singing. Hours later, the 77-year-old was hospitalized.
Lionel Richie’s health
The Missouri incident is not the first health-related interruption Richie has experienced during his current summer tour.
Back in late June, he stopped a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, after telling the audience that he was feeling “dizzy” and “strange” while performing “Dancing on the Ceiling,” according to UNILAD.
Paramedics subsequently met Richie backstage and took him to a nearby hospital in an ambulance as a precaution.
On medical advice, Richie postponed his next two scheduled tour appearances. He returned to performing several days later in Pittsburgh, with his team later saying the earlier episode had been caused by acute dehydration and exhaustion.
As fans wait for more information about his condition, messages of support have begun appearing online, with many also watching for news about his recovery and whether his upcoming tour dates will be affected.
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