Lionel Richie’s Latest Health Scare Leads to Major Tour Shake-Up Three Shows Canceled

Lionel Richie is taking some time away from the stage after undergoing a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, his representative confirmed. The news comes as the 77-year-old singer continues his Sing a Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.

According to Richie’s representative, the procedure went well and the legendary singer is doing great. “The doctor said everything went perfectly,” the rep told PEOPLE, adding that Richie will take some time off before returning to the stage.

Three Tour Dates Have Been Canceled

Because of the latest health issue, three upcoming performances with Earth, Wind & Fire have been canceled: Sept. 26 in San Francisco, Sept. 30 in Chicago and Oct. 2 in Columbus, Ohio. Reports from the venues characterize the dates as postponed, with replacement dates to be announced and tickets honored when the shows are rescheduled.

The procedure Richie underwent has been reported as an AFib ablation, a minimally invasive treatment used to address the abnormal electrical signals associated with atrial fibrillation. PEOPLE confirmed that the procedure was completed successfully.

This Comes After Several Health-Related Interruptions

This isn’t the first time Richie has needed medical attention during his 2026 touring schedule.

In June, Richie cut a performance short after becoming dizzy onstage and later postponed two concerts to rest. He returned to performing on June 30.

Then, after his Aug. 29 performance in St. Louis, Richie checked himself into a hospital and spent several days undergoing cardiac tests. PEOPLE reported that he was released on Sept. 2 and was doing well.

Just days before the latest news, Richie was also seen attending a dinner in Beverly Hills with his girlfriend, Lisa Parigi, appearing in public after that earlier hospitalization.

 

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Lionel Has Reassured His Fans Before

Throughout the health concerns earlier this year, Richie has continued to acknowledge the support he’s received from fans.

In July, he thanked them for their messages and kind words, saying he was doing well and was grateful for their support.

Now, his representative says Richie is doing great again and plans to return to the stage after taking some time to recover.

For a performer whose voice has been part of the soundtrack of generations, the sudden pause has understandably drawn attention from fans around the world. But for now, the message from his team is straightforward: Lionel Richie is recovering, taking some time off, and plans to be back on stage soon.

And after everything he’s been through this year, that is the update his fans were hoping to hear.