LATEST NEWS: Lionel Richie Withdraws from ACCES 2025 to Host Emotional Tribute for June Lockhart

 

Just 50 minutes ago in the United StatesLionel Richie announced that he will not attend the upcoming ACCES 2025 (Music in Africa Conference: Collaborations, Exchange & Showcases) in Tshwane, South Africa, opting instead to dedicate his time to hosting a special tribute event honoring the late actress June Lockhart (1925–2025).

 

The beloved Hollywood icon, best known for her roles in “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” passed away peacefully earlier this month at the age of 100.

 

In a heartfelt statement, Lionel shared, June’s legacy of grace and warmth deserves to be celebrated with love.

 

His voice carried both tenderness and respect as he reflected on the actress’s extraordinary life — one marked by kindness, professionalism, and the timeless charm that made her one of America’s most cherished television figures.

 

The upcoming ceremony, currently being organized in Los Angeles, will bring together friends, family, and fellow entertainers for what promises to be a deeply emotional and uplifting celebration of life.

 

Sources close to Lionel revealed that the event will feature musical tributes, personal stories, and rare film footage highlighting June’s seven-decade career in film and television.

 

Lionel’s decision to step back from ACCES 2025 — where he was originally slated to serve as host — has been met with understanding and admiration from peers and fans alike.

 

Organizers of the African music conference expressed full support, emphasizing that his choice reflects the same compassion and integrity that have defined his storied career.

 

Known for hits like “Hello,” “All Night Long,” and “We Are the World,” Lionel Richie has long been a voice of unity and empathy through his music.

 

His choice to honor June Lockhart, a woman who embodied those very values on screen and off, feels profoundly fitting.

 

“It’s not just about fame or success,” he explained. “It’s about the love we leave behind — the lives we touch.”

 

The tribute to June Lockhart is expected to be broadcast globally, giving fans everywhere a chance to celebrate the actress who defined generations of family television.

 

As Lionel leads the event, it will stand as both a farewell and a thank-you — a moment to reflect on a legacy built not on glamour, but on genuine humanity.

 

With this announcement, Lionel Richie once again proves that true artistry extends beyond the stage.

 

His gesture serves as a reminder that the greatest performances are often acts of kindness — and that some tributes are best delivered not in song, but in love, remembrance, and gratitude.