Lionel Richie pausing tour after undergoing heart procedure, rep says

ENTERTAINMENT Lionel Richie pausing tour after undergoing heart procedure, rep says By Katie Scott Global News Posted September 23, 2026 10:02 am 3 min read View image in full screen Lionel Richie arrives at the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Dave Starbuck/DDP via ZUMA Press LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Lionel Richie is taking a break from touring as he recovers from a heart procedure, a representative for the singer said on Wednesday. Richie underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, and the “doctor said everything went perfectly,” his rep said in a statement to The Associated Press. “Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” the rep added. 3:46 Lionel Richie being treated in the ICU after health setback Stick to the Facts Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results. Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, that happens when the electrical signalling in your heart is disrupted, according to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT The organization notes that many people who have atrial fibrillation lead perfectly normal lives, but having atrial fibrillation does increase your risk for stroke. 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 news of Richie’s heart procedure comes weeks after the 77-year-old singer checked himself into the ICU out of caution following a performance in St. Louis. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY HEALTH NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. While performing at the Muny on Aug. 30, Richie appeared to lean on a piano for support, CBS News reports. He also asked for a chair to sit down for his final song, All Night Long, according to the outlet. TMZ was the first to report the news of…