Hello Again, Immortalized!” – Lionel Richie Honored with Stunning Bronze Statue in Tuskegee

🎤 “Hello Again, Immortalized!” – Lionel Richie Honored with Stunning Bronze Statue in Tuskegee

Tuskegee, AL – June 2, 2025

Fans of soul legend Lionel Richie now have a new reason to say “Hello” to Tuskegee, Alabama, as a life-sized bronze statue of the iconic singer was unveiled today in a star-studded ceremony that brought music, memories, and emotion to the heart of his hometown.

The statue, titled “Hello Again”, captures Richie mid-performance—microphone in one hand, the other outstretched in a warm, inviting gesture, just as he has done for decades on stages around the world. Crafted in bronze with golden-tinted accents, the figure stands atop a polished black marble base engraved with his name and favorite lyrics, making it a timeless tribute to a man whose music transcends generations.

Hundreds of fans gathered at the unveiling outside the newly renovated Tuskegee Music Arts Plaza. Cheers erupted as a black satin cloth dropped, revealing the glowing statue beneath. Richie himself was present, visibly emotional, thanking the crowd with his trademark smile: “To be honored like this, right here where I grew up, it means more than I can say. This is home.”

City officials and organizers say the statue not only celebrates Richie’s international success but also serves as a cultural landmark for the town. “This is more than just a statue—it’s a symbol of what someone from Tuskegee can achieve,” said Mayor Latisha Ford. “Lionel put us on the map with his voice, and now his legacy is etched in bronze.”

The statue’s interactive base adds a modern twist. A nearby touch panel plays rotating snippets of Richie’s greatest hits, from “All Night Long” to “Endless Love”. Visitors can also scan a QR code to access a curated playlist and a documentary short on Richie’s rise from Tuskegee to global fame.

Designed by acclaimed sculptor Javier Mendoza, the project took over a year to complete. Mendoza said he worked closely with Richie to capture not just the look, but the spirit of the performer. “He didn’t want it to be stiff. He wanted it to move—even if it’s standing still. That was the challenge, and the joy.”

Fans, young and old, lingered long after the unveiling, posing for selfies, leaving flowers, and singing along to the music playing softly in the background. “It’s like he’s singing to us forever,” said longtime fan Marie Dunbar, holding back tears. “This statue feels like a big hug.”

As night fell, soft golden lights illuminated the statue, casting a warm glow that could be seen blocks away—just like the voice and presence of Lionel Richie, still lighting up hearts around the world.