The singer checked himself into the hospital after his concert on August 29
Lionel Richie is taking a break from performing after undergoing a heart procedure to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to a representative for the 77-year-old music legend. PEOPLE reported on September 22 that Richie was hospitalized this week amid his ongoing health concerns and underwent an ablation, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. His representative said the procedure was successful, telling PEOPLE, “Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib). The doctor said everything went perfectly.” The representative added that Richie is recovering well but needs time away from the road, saying, “Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
The procedure comes amid a series of health issues Richie has experienced while touring in 2026. AFib is an irregular heartbeat originating in the heart’s upper chambers, and an ablation works by creating small areas of scar tissue intended to block the electrical signals responsible for triggering the abnormal rhythm. Treating AFib can also help reduce complications associated with the condition, including an increased risk of stroke. Richie had been in the middle of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, but his hospitalization and recovery have resulted in the cancellation of three upcoming concerts: September 26 in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago and October 2 in Columbus, Ohio.
The latest development follows Richie’s hospitalization after an August 29 concert in St. Louis. Richie checked himself into a hospital as a precaution following the performance and was admitted to the intensive care unit, where he underwent cardiac testing. He was released by September 2 and returned to Los Angeles, with his representatives reporting that he was doing well. Just days before news of the AFib procedure became public, Richie made his first photographed public appearance since that hospitalization, attending a dinner at Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills with his longtime girlfriend, Lisa Parigi. He appeared upbeat in photographs, smiling and giving photographers a thumbs-up.
Richie had experienced another health scare earlier in the summer. During a June concert, he told the audience that he was feeling dizzy and cut the performance short. He subsequently postponed two concerts so that he could rest and recover. Richie returned to performing on June 30 and addressed the concern from fans with humor, telling the audience, “You have no idea what I have been through in the last 24 hours, listening to my friends tell me their advice on what I should be doing.” In July, he publicly reassured supporters, writing on Instagram, “Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love,” and adding, “I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”
For now, Richie’s representative has given no specific date for his return to the stage, emphasizing instead that he will take time to recover following the procedure. The cancellation of the three shows with Earth, Wind & Fire represents the most immediate impact on his touring schedule. Despite the recent sequence of medical issues—from dizziness during a June performance to his August ICU stay and now treatment for AFib—his camp’s latest update is encouraging: the procedure reportedly went exactly as intended, Richie is said to be doing well, and the expectation remains that he will resume performing after his recovery period.