Less than a month after music star Lionel Richie checked himself into a St. Louis‑area hospital following his performance at The Muny, he is pausing upcoming tour dates after undergoing a heart procedure.
His representative issued a statement saying the 77‑year‑old singer was hospitalized this week for heart issues and will miss a few concert dates. Three shows have been canceled, including stops in San Francisco, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio.
“Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation,” Richie’s representative said in a statement to Variety, People and ABC News. “The doctor said everything went perfectly… Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
Atrial fibrillation — often called AFib — is an irregular and sometimes rapid heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke or other heart complications. The procedure Richie underwent is typically used to correct the abnormal rhythm and reduce the risk of future episodes. It is considered routine for patients experiencing AFib and is often successful in restoring a normal heartbeat.
In June, on opening night of the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour — which he co‑headlines with Earth, Wind & Fire — Richie cut his Minneapolis performance short after telling the crowd he was dizzy. Two dates were then canceled as he was reportedly dehydrated.
His headlining performance at The Muny on August 28 was his first time back on stage following the dehydration reports.
Richie referenced that earlier hospitalization while engaging with the crowd at The Muny.
“Some things have been happening on this tour that kind of shook me up a little bit, because I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on,” Richie said. “I went back to the doctor, and he said, ‘You are suffering from dehydration.’”
He drank electrolytes multiple times during the performance. TMZ was first to report Richie’s St. Louis hospitalization on August 28. He was released from the hospital on Wednesday, August 31.
Sources from ABC News, People.com, TMZ.com and Variety.com contributed to this report.