Lionel Richie remains hospitalized in St. Louis after his weekend concert, with doctors now running tests for possible cardiac-related issues, according to new reports. The update comes after earlier reporting said possible mild dehydration was among the concerns being examined.
The important distinction is that testing is not a diagnosis. Neither Richie nor his representatives have publicly announced a heart condition. TMZ reported that the 77-year-old remained in intensive care while undergoing cardiac-related testing and was expected to be released Wednesday.
People reported that Richie was expected to fly home Wednesday after the precautionary hospital stay. Entertainment Weekly also reported that the singer remained hospitalized while testing continued, with no confirmed diagnosis publicly disclosed.
Richie checked himself into a St. Louis hospital after his August 29 performance at The Muny. Concertgoers said he asked for a chair during the final song, “All Night Long,” after appearing to struggle near the end of the show. Earlier reporting from a source close to the tour said he was doing okay.
This is a meaningful change from the first wave of reporting because the hospital stay lasted longer than initially expected and the scope of testing reportedly broadened beyond possible dehydration. That does not establish a cardiac condition, but it does explain why the latest health update is drawing renewed attention.
Richie had a separate health scare in June during a show in St. Paul, Minnesota, when dizziness forced him to end the performance early. He later postponed two dates on doctors’ advice before returning to the stage and reassuring fans that he was recovering.
His official website still lists his next scheduled concert for September 26 in San Francisco. No broad cancellation of the remaining dates has been announced on the official tour page.
For now, the clearest update is that Richie is still being evaluated and is expected to leave the hospital soon. Until Richie, his representatives or his medical team provide more detail, reports of cardiac testing should not be treated as a confirmed diagnosis.
