Lionel Richie's Children Are 'Crazy Scared' They Could Lose Him as Family Fears Hidden Heart Illness Behind ICU Stay

Lionel Richie's children are reportedly “crazy scared” they could lose their father as the legendary singer faces a frightening health scare that has landed him in the hospital.

The 77-year-old music icon was admitted to a St. Louis hospital after struggling to finish his concert Saturday, with doctors reportedly investigating possible cardiac-related issues.

The hospitalization has reportedly left his three children, Nicole Richie, 44, Miles Richie, 32, and Sofia Richie, 28, deeply worried.

“His kids are always on him about taking care of himself,” an insider told Daily Mail, adding that the siblings are “worried he could have serious heart issues.”

Lionel's daughters, in particular, are said to have stepped into an emotional new role with their father.

“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.

The concern comes after Lionel suffered another alarming episode in June. While performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” in St. Paul, Minnesota, the singer repeatedly sat down before telling the audience, “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your a-- down.”

He eventually left the stage, and his saxophonist Dino Soldo later told the crowd, “He won't be able to continue.”

The chart-topping singer later explained that doctors believed dehydration was behind the episode. During his St. Louis performance, he reportedly told fans that the incidents on tour had “shook me up a little bit” because he “couldn’t figure out what the h--- was going on.”

“I went back to the doctor, and he said, ‘You are suffering from dehydration,’” he recalled.

Still, his latest hospitalization has understandably raised fresh concerns among those closest to him.

According to Daily Mail, the “Hello” singer is now back home and being “doted on” by his family. Despite everything, he is reportedly “feeling OK” and in his “usual jovial mood.”

His loved ones, however, want him to take the warning signs seriously.

“Lionel likes to stay busy, he can't sit still, and loves his career momentum,” another source said, adding, “Work is like an addiction for him and he refuses to retire.”

The superstar has continued performing while also juggling his demanding role as a judge on American Idol. But his family reportedly believes it may be time for the superstar to slow down.

“Lionel will be Lionel,” the source said.

“He still loves touring and being out there performing, and he wants to keep doing that for a long time," they added.