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Lionel Richie is taking a break from
performing following a heart procedure
[September 24, 2026]
By MARIA SHERMAN
NEW YORK
(AP) — Lionel Richie is taking a break from touring as he recovers from
a heart procedure, a representative for the singer confirmed in a
statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Richie underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation, or A-fib,
and the “doctor said everything went perfectly,” it read. “Lionel is
doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.” |
Lionel Richie attends The King's Trust Global Gala at Casa Cipriani on
Thursday, May 2, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) |
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A-fib is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that is a worrisome
stage-setter for blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Some
researchers believe more than 10 million Americans have it —
most of them older.
The 77-year-old singer also postponed two concerts earlier this
year, in June, after falling ill. And in August, reports of
Richie checking himself into a hospital after a performance in
St. Louis made the rounds online.
Richie was scheduled to perform with Earth, Wind & Fire Saturday
in San Francisco, Sept. 30 in Chicago and Oct. 3 in Columbus,
Ohio.
According to his website, he is currently scheduled to launch
his “King of Hearts” residency shows at Las Vegas’ the Wynn in
October and November.
The Oscar and four-time Grammy Award-winning Richie launched his
career with The Commodores before becoming a successful solo
artist. In addition to his well-known hits like “Hello,” Richie
co-wrote the iconic charity single “We Are the World” with
Michael Jackson and has sold over 100 million records. He is
also a judge on “American Idol.”
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