Lionel Richie is on the road to recovery after a frightening medical incident forced him to end a concert early, and the reassuring update came from someone who knows him well. The legendary singer’s ex-wife, Brenda Harvey Richie, has spoken out after Richie was hospitalized following the opening night of his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in Minnesota. Taking to social media shortly after the news broke, Brenda thanked fans for their concern and confirmed that the Grammy-winning performer is doing well.
“Thanking everyone for their concern! Lionel is OK and will be back on the stage,” she wrote, easing worries among fans after videos of the incident quickly spread online.
She also backed a fan who defended the 77-year-old singer against calls for retirement. After one social media user wrote that Richie is “iconic” and doesn’t need anyone telling him when to quit, Brenda reshared the message in agreement.
The health scare unfolded during a performance at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, where Richie suddenly sat down while singing “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Addressing the audience with his trademark humor, he admitted he had started feeling dizzy during the show.
“When you are feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” Richie joked, adding that it was the first time he had ever performed the hit while seated.
Although he continued briefly by performing “Three Times a Lady” from the piano, the concert came to an early end after an intermission. Band member Dino Soldo later informed the audience that Richie would not be returning to the stage.
Following the incident, tour promoter Live Nation announced that doctors had advised the singer to rest, leading to the postponement of two scheduled concerts in Chicago and Columbus.
The statement added that Richie was “heartbroken” to delay the performances but looked forward to returning to the stage as soon as possible. Fans with tickets for the affected shows were informed that new dates would be announced later.
Despite the unexpected interruption, Brenda Harvey Richie’s update has reassured fans that the music legend is recovering and preparing to continue the tour once doctors clear him to perform again.
Richie, whose career spans more than five decades, remains one of the most celebrated performers in music history and currently serves as a judge on American Idol. His latest health update suggests fans won’t have to wait long before seeing him back under the spotlight.