Lionel Richie‘s ex-wife has offered fans an encouraging update after the music legend was forced to leave the stage following a medical incident during the opening night of his latest tour.
Reassuring Fans
Brenda Harvey Richie reassured worried fans that the 77-year-old singer is recovering and plans to return to performing after doctors advised him to rest.
Shortly after news broke that Richie had been hospitalized following the concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, Brenda took to X to share a brief but optimistic message.
She wrote, “Thanking everyone for their concern! Lionel is OK and will be back on the stage.”
Brenda, who was married to the All Night Long hitmaker and American Idol judge from 1975 until 1993, also shared a fan’s response defending Richie’s decision to continue performing despite concerns about his health.
The fan wrote, “He is iconic. He does NOT need anyone telling him when to quit.”
Brenda reposted the message, signaling her agreement with the sentiment.
Richie’s Health Scare
The update came after concertgoers witnessed Lionel Richie experiencing health problems during his performance at Grand Casino Arena.
Video from inside the venue showed the singer sitting down while performing his classic hit Dancing on the Ceiling after becoming dizzy. Rather than hide what was happening, Richie addressed the audience with his trademark humor.
He said, “What I have learned about my years of being in the business. When you are feeling dizzy, sit your ass down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your ass down!”
“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.”
Lionel Richie later remained seated at the piano to perform Three Times a Lady before taking an early intermission.
Canceling Upcoming Events
A short time later, saxophonist Dino Soldo informed the audience that the singer would not be returning to complete the show. Following the incident, promoter Live Nation confirmed Lionel Richie had postponed two upcoming concerts on medical advice.
The statement read, “Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH. He and Earth, Wind and Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA.”
“Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.”