HEALTH'Suffering From Dehydration': Lionel Richie Now Undergoes Cardiac Testing in ICU, Sources Say

Lionel Richie reportedly remains in an ICU for cardiac testing after 'suffering from dehydration.'
Sept. 2 2026, Published 7:36 a.m. ET
New details have surfaced regarding Lionel Richie’s recent health scare.
An outlet reported on Tuesday, September 1, that the legendary musician “remains hospitalized” in a St. Louis intensive care unit.

Lionel Richie remains hospitalized in a St. Louis intensive care unit while undergoing testing for cardiac-related issues, according to a source cited by an outlet.
“Lionel is undergoing testing for cardiac-related issues,” a source told the publication. “he's expected to be released from the hospital Wednesday, [September 2].”
Richie also addressed his dehydration issues and June hospitalization during the concert, according to the St. Louis American.
“Some things have been happening on this tour that kind of shook me up a little bit, because I couldn’t figure out what the h--- was going on,” he told the audience.
He added, “I went back to the doctor, and he said, ‘You are suffering from dehydration.’”
Lionel Richie Remains in the ICU

Lionel Richie reportedly checked himself into a local hospital after performing at The Muny in Forest Park on August 29.
As OK! previously reported, Richie has been staying in the ICU at a St. Louis, Miss., medical center after performing in the city on Saturday, August 29.
Sources told TMZ that the 77-year-old musician checked himself into a nearby hospital after his performance at The Muny in Forest Park. The singer reportedly wanted to undergo a few tests after the show.
Doctors are also said to be checking for "possible slight dehydration.”
The latest update comes after concertgoers noticed Richie appeared to be "struggling" near the end of his set. At one point, he asked his team to bring a chair onto the stage as he performed his classic hit "All Night Long."
Another Health Scare for the Music Icon
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!

Doctors are reportedly examining Lionel Richie for possible slight dehydration following his latest health scare.
Richie also experienced another medical scare during a June concert in St. Paul, Minn.
During that performance, the "We Are the World" songwriter said he started feeling "dizzy" and "strange" before an ambulance took him to a hospital.
"What I have learned about my years of being in the business. When you are feeling dizzy, sit your a-- down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your a-- down!" he said to the audience.
'That's a Bad Sign, Y'all'

Lionel Richie previously canceled several tour dates after becoming ill during a June concert in St. Paul, Minn.
Richie then tried to keep things light as he addressed the unusual moment during the show.
"Now, I want you to know, that's the first time in the history of 'Dancing on the Ceiling' I've done it sitting down. That's a bad sign, y'all," he joked before leaving the stage.
The performer later moved over to the piano and performed a seated version of The Commodores' 1978 song "Three Times a Lady."
After an intermission was announced, the concert was ultimately canceled when the Grammy winner was taken to a medical center for treatment.


