Lionel Richie is taking a break from touring after undergoing a heart procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, with his representative saying the singer is doing well and plans to return to the stage.
The 77-year-old music legend underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. His representative said the procedure went perfectly and that Richie will take some time to recover before resuming performances.
The health update has forced the cancellation of three upcoming performances with Earth, Wind & Fire. The affected shows were scheduled for September 26 in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago and October 2 in Columbus, Ohio.
The latest development follows another health-related interruption earlier this year. Richie postponed two concerts in June after becoming ill during a performance and was later hospitalized in August following a show in St. Louis for cardiac testing. He was released in early September and had been reported to be doing well.
Despite the canceled tour dates, Richie’s representative has not indicated that the singer is stepping away from performing permanently. He is expected to return to the stage after his recovery, although no specific return date has been announced.
Richie is also scheduled to begin his King of Hearts residency at the Wynn in Las Vegas in October, with performances currently listed for October and November.
The latest health setback comes during a busy year for the Grammy-winning singer, who has continued performing while also serving as a judge on American Idol. For now, his focus is on recovery before returning to his packed performance schedule.
