Lionel Richie Recalls Inviting Fans to Meals Because He F…

Lionel Richie Reveals the Unusual Habit He Formed Early in His Career: “I Just Couldn’t Eat Alone”, Music legend Lionel Richie has opened up about a surprising habit he developed during the early years of his career, admitting that he could never tolerate eating alone—and often invited fans to join him at restaurants.

Richie shared the memory while promoting his new memoir, Truly, during an appearance on Today with Hoda & Friends. The book offers a deeply personal look at his journey from rising star to global icon, including his struggles with anxiety, loneliness, and the lessons he learned about finding peace both on and off stage.

Inviting Fans to the Table

“For the first five years, whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I’d go to a restaurant, head to the basement area, find a fan and say, ‘Let’s have lunch,’” Richie recalled. “I just couldn’t do it alone.”

The “All Night Long” and “Hello” hitmaker explained that while performing on stage came naturally, adjusting to life in the spotlight outside of music was far more difficult.
“The comfortable part was being on stage,” he said. “But once the show ended, I didn’t know how to handle the quiet.”

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Balancing Fame and Fear

Richie also revealed that despite his outward confidence, he frequently battled stage fright and panic attacks. Yet, his determination pushed him through.
“My father used to say, ‘What’s the difference between a hero and a coward? They’re both afraid of death. The difference is the hero steps forward.’ I’ve carried that with me my entire life,” he shared.

A Life of Highs and Hardships

In Truly, Richie reflects on his extraordinary career—from timeless hits like “Endless Love” and “Dancing on the Ceiling” to personal struggles including ADHD, the loss of his father, two divorces, and even a vocal cord injury that nearly ended his career.

Despite the obstacles, Richie’s story is one of resilience, legacy, and finding ways to stay connected—even if that meant inviting complete strangers to share a meal.