Lionel Richie Undergoes Heart Procedure and Cancels Three Shows

Lionel Richie arrives at the 2022 American Music Awards (50th Annual American Music Awards) held at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live on November 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Image Press Agency)

Lionel Richie has been hospitalized for the third time in three months.

This week the 77-year-old musician underwent a heart procedure to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), a rep for the singer told People on Tuesday.

“Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib),” the rep said in a statement. “The doctor said everything went perfectly.”

The procedure, known as an ablation, is minimally invasive and helps correct an irregular heartbeat.

According to the American Heart Association, AFib is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm. If left untreated, the condition can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other complications.

Richie is “doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” his rep said.

The Grammy winner is currently on the “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.

Because of his hospitalization, three upcoming shows have been canceled: Sept. 26 in San Francisco, Sept. 30 in Chicago, and Oct. 2 in Columbus, Ohio.

The latest health setback comes just weeks after Richie checked himself into a hospital following an Aug. 29 performance in St. Louis, as previously reported.

During the show, witnesses said he appeared to struggle near the end of his performance and asked for a chair before finishing his finale, “All Night Long,” while seated.

The singer was admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent tests for heart issues. He was released several days later and returned to Los Angeles.

He experienced another health scare in June after becoming dizzy during a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota. Videos posted to social media showed him telling the audience he needed to take a break.

“What I have learned about my years of being in the business, when you are feeling dizzy, sit your a– down,” the music legend told the audience.

He was taken to a hospital and postponed two shows to rest before returning to the stage.

The singer is also a judge on American Idol. The music competition’s 24th season concluded in May.


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