Lionel Richie is taking some time away from the stage after undergoing a heart procedure during his latest hospitalization. The 77-year-old singer has faced several health scares in recent months, but his representative shared an encouraging update following the treatment.
According to Yahoo Entertainment, the procedure addressed Lionel Richie’s atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm commonly known as AFib. According to his representative, everything went as planned, and the “All Night Long” singer is doing well as he focuses on recovery before returning to performing.
Lionel Richie Atrial Fibrillation Procedure Went ‘Perfectly’
“Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib),” his representative said, adding that his doctor reported everything “went perfectly.” Richie plans to rest for a while, but his team expects him to return to the stage once he has recovered. AFib affects the heart’s normal rhythm and begins in its upper chambers.
The health update has already affected his touring schedule with Earth, Wind & Fire. Shows scheduled for Sept. 26 in San Francisco, Sept. 30 in Chicago, and Oct. 2 in Columbus were canceled. Richie also has a six-night Las Vegas residency scheduled for October and November, though his recovery time could influence those plans.
The Singer Has Faced Several Health Scars This Summer
Richie’s latest hospitalization follows other concerning moments during his recent tour. In June, he experienced dizziness while performing and decided to sit down rather than push through the show. He later went to the hospital as a precaution before returning to the stage days later and joking with fans about giving them a scare. Another incident came in late August after a performance in St. Louis. Richie again sought medical attention after feeling unwell and later told audiences that his doctor had attributed that episode to dehydration. By July, he had already thanked fans for their messages and reassured them that he was doing well.
Those earlier incidents make the latest Lionel Richie atrial fibrillation update especially significant for fans who have followed his health throughout the summer. Still, his representative’s message offered some welcome reassurance: the procedure succeeded, Richie is recovering, and his team expects him to perform again. After more than five decades of entertaining audiences with hits like “Hello,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and “All Night Long,” Richie has remained remarkably active on the road. For now, however, the longtime performer appears ready to give himself the time he needs before stepping back under the stage lights.