Lionel Richie Hospitalized After St. Louis Concert as Doctors Investigate Possible Dehydration

Lionel Richie checked himself into a St. Louis hospital after performing at The Muny on Saturday, August 29, according to reports from TMZ, ABC News and other outlets. The singer was reportedly admitted for medical testing and precautionary observation after appearing to struggle near the end of his performance.

Richie, 77, reportedly asked for a chair while performing his closing song, "All Night Long." Audience accounts and video from the concert showed him completing the number while seated, following a show that included his signature high-energy performances.

TMZ initially reported that doctors were evaluating Richie for possible slight dehydration. A day later, TMZ reported that Richie had been moved to intensive care for testing related to possible cardiac issues, though no official diagnosis was confirmed publicly. ABC News reported that a source close to Richie's tour described the hospitalization as precautionary, and the Los Angeles Times reported that a representative for the singer declined to comment on the reason for the hospitalization or his condition.

The St. Louis episode follows an earlier health scare during the opening stretch of Richie's summer tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. In June, Richie cut short a performance in St. Paul, Minnesota, after telling the audience he felt dizzy and "strange." Two subsequent shows were postponed after his doctor advised him to rest, according to reports at the time. Richie later returned to the stage, including a July performance at Madison Square Garden, where he reportedly joked about needing electrolytes between songs.

Richie was discharged after roughly three days in the hospital and flew home to Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 2, according to TMZ, Fox2Now and the St. Louis American. A source close to Richie said he was "back home in Los Angeles and doing great." As of this update, no detailed official statement specifying a diagnosis has been released by Richie's representatives.

Richie is currently touring as part of the "Sing A Song All Night Long" run with Earth, Wind & Fire. The St. Louis performance was a solo appearance at The Muny's annual summer finale concert in Forest Park. Reports have listed his next scheduled tour appearance as September 26 in San Francisco.

Update, September 2, 2026: This article has been updated to reflect Richie's discharge from the hospital and his return home, based on subsequent reporting from TMZ, Fox2Now and the St. Louis American.