NEW YORK, United States – Lionel Richie is taking a break from touring after undergoing a heart procedure for atrial fibrillation, his representative said, forcing the cancellation of three upcoming concerts with Earth, Wind & Fire.
Richie, 77, underwent what his representative described as a common procedure for atrial fibrillation, or AFib. The representative said the procedure went well and that Richie is doing well, but will take time away from performing before returning to the stage.
The announcement affects the remaining September and early October dates on the artists’ Sing a Song All Night Long tour.
Three concerts canceled
The next three performances scheduled for Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire — September 26 in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago and October 2 in Columbus, Ohio — have been canceled.
Richie’s official website had previously listed those performances as part of his 2026 touring schedule. It also lists upcoming Las Vegas performances beginning October 14 at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.
Wynn’s current schedule lists Richie’s King of Hearts shows for October 14, 16 and 17 and November 11, 13 and 14. The current listings do not by themselves establish whether those performances will proceed following his latest medical procedure.
Richie’s representative has not announced a specific date for his return to touring.
A second health-related interruption this summer
The latest procedure follows other interruptions to Richie’s 2026 touring schedule.
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In June, Richie stopped a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, after telling the audience that he felt dizzy. Two subsequent shows were postponed on doctors’ advice while he rested. He returned to performing later that month.
Richie also sought medical attention after an August 29 performance in St. Louis. Reports at the time said he was hospitalized for testing after the show and was later released. His representatives said he was doing well.
Those earlier episodes preceded the newly disclosed treatment for atrial fibrillation.
The latest statement from Richie’s representative did not connect the June or August incidents directly to the AFib procedure, and no such connection is established in the available public information.
What is known about the procedure
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the upper chambers of the heart. Richie’s representative described the treatment only as a common procedure for AFib and did not publicly provide further medical details.
People reported that Richie underwent an ablation, a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Richie’s representative confirmed the AFib procedure but did not publicly provide a detailed medical account of his treatment.
Richie’s camp has emphasized recovery rather than providing a detailed prognosis.
“Lionel is doing great,” his representative said, adding that he would take some time off and return to the stage soon.
A long-running career interrupted
The break comes during an active period for Richie, whose career spans his years with the Commodores and a decades-long solo career.
His best-known songs include “Hello,” “All Night Long,” “Say You, Say Me” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.” He also co-wrote “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson and has received four Grammy Awards and an Academy Award.
Richie has continued performing while also serving as a judge on American Idol. His current schedule includes the Las Vegas King of Hearts residency at Wynn’s Encore Theater.
For now, however, his immediate touring schedule is on hold.
The three canceled concerts are the clearest confirmed change to his calendar following the procedure. His representative has said Richie plans to return to performing, but no specific return date has been announced.
Reporting Credit: Lionel Richie’s representative — confirmation of the atrial-fibrillation procedure, recovery status and touring break; Lionel Richie official website — current tour schedule; Wynn Las Vegas — current King of Hearts residency schedule.
