Lionel Richie Checks Into ICU After St. Louis Concert

We’re sending prayers to music icon Lionel Richie following reports that he checked himself into intensive care at a St. Louis hospital over the weekend.

The Oscar-winning singer had just finished performing at The Muny in a show where he definitely seemed to be giving his all to the packed stadium of fans.

RELATED: Piano Pioneers: 20 Black Musicians Who Also Excelled As Pianists

According to TMZ, Richie did it as a precautionary move after what doctors believe to be dehydration. He’s expected to be discharged as early as Tuesday (September 1) after resting up over the weekend. Per witness testimony and images captured from the show, many took his request to be seated for the last duration of his set, particularly during the closing number, “All Night Long,” as a clear sign of fatigue taking over.

A similar incident occurred back in June after the “Endless Love” crooner cut a performance short at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. He suffered dizzy spells that left him seated on stage while ironically singing “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Some might chuck it up to opening night jitters, but it was enough that he was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

At 77 years old, you can say that Lionel Richie is defying the odds as a still-in-demand performing artist. After a summer tour alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, paired with an upcoming residency at Wynn Las Vegas, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. We can only hope he makes a full recovery while also listening to what his body may be ultimately trying to tell him. In a similar fashion to Gladys Knight recently taking a step back from a full schedule of live performances, it may be time for Richie to consider the same.