Lionel Richie has returned to the stage and is optimistic – albeit in a hurry – about his life after canceling two shows amid a battle with an undisclosed illness.
“Thank you for all the messages, all the kind words, and all your love,” Richie, 77, wrote on Instagram on Saturday, July 4, sharing several photos with the legendary singer performing on stage. “I'm doing well, and I thank you all.”
He continued, “Pittsburgh and Detroit were a blast. The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd… we made some real memories together. See you in Toronto… let's party all night.”
Late last month, Richie retired his two Sing a Song Long Walk All Night shows in Illinois and Ohio after being forced to cut short the opening night of his tour due to illness.
“Advised by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his show on Friday, June 26, in Chicago, IL, and Saturday, June 27, in Columbus, OH,” a statement shared by Live Nation Chicago and the United Center in Chicago's official accounts on June 25. “He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30, in Pittsburgh, PA. Lionel is heartbroken for postponing these two performances and he can't wait to sing to his fans again.”
The statement concluded at the time, “We apologize for any inconvenience caused to ticketed fans for these two games. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.”
Richie is yet to publicly release any additional details about his illness, including any diagnosis or treatment he has received. According to the Minnesota Star Tribunethis singer was singing on stage in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 24 when he started falling asleep and stopped the set less than an hour into his opening night tour.
Richie was singing “Dancing on the Ceiling” when he was forced to sit down. According to a local news report, Richie then left the stage and, 40 minutes later, the singer's saxophonist. Dino Soldo he returned to the stage to give the fans a negative review.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” the singer told the crowd at the time. “He will not be able to continue. More information will be available.”
Us Weekly Richie's reps were contacted at the time for comment, but did not hear back.
