Lionel Richie’s ‘concerned’ kids urge dad to cut down on touring after third hospitalization

Lionel Richie’s kids are worried about their father’s health and want him to slow down following his latest hospitalization.

“Lionel’s kids really want him to slow down. They’re concerned about him and worry that he’s pushing himself too hard, especially after everything that’s happened over the past few months,” a source exclusively told Page Six.

“Seeing him have these health scares is obviously scary for them,” the insider said. “And they wish he would give himself more time to rest and just hit the pause button once in a while.”

The 77-year-old singer, who shares daughter Nicole, 45, and son Miles, 32, with ex-wife Diane Alexander, as well as daughter Sofia, 28, with ex-wife Brenda Harvey-Richie, was hospitalized again after experiencing another heart issue.

In a statement shared with Page Six Tuesday, the four-time Grammy winner’s rep said, “Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib). The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”  

We previously reported that the next three concerts on Richie’s tour with Earth, Wind & Fire have been canceled over his latest health issues. The shows were scheduled for Saturday in San Francisco, Sept. 30 in Chicago and Oct. 2 in Columbus, Ohio.

Despite their concerns, the insider said Lionel’s children understand that performing remains a huge part of his life.

“They know how much music and performing mean to him, and they would never expect him to completely give that up. But they’d definitely like to see him take it a little easier and put his health first,” the source explained.

“The reality is, though, they know that’s not really Lionel. He loves what he does and he’s going to want to keep performing for as long as he possibly can. That’s just who he is at his core.”

Lionel’s latest health scare comes just weeks after he spent three days in the hospital following a concert in St. Louis, Missouri, on Aug. 29.

The “American Idol” judge reportedly struggled toward the end of the show and requested a chair while performing his final song, “All Night Long.”

He subsequently checked himself into a local hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Lionel was also hospitalized in June after becoming dizzy during the opening night of his 26-city North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Oscar winner was forced to sit down several times while performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” before taking an intermission. The concert was ultimately canceled, along with his next two shows in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio. 

He later reassured fans that he was recovering and thanked them for their support.

His next three tour dates, scheduled for San Francisco, Chicago and Columbus, have since been canceled.