Lionel Richie is recovering well after undergoing a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, with upcoming performances postponed.
Music icon Lionel Richie is reportedly “doing great” after undergoing a medical procedure to treat atrial fibrillation.
The 77-year-old singer recently underwent what his representative described as a common procedure for the heart rhythm condition. In a statement shared with People magazine, Richie’s representative said the procedure went smoothly.
“Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation. The doctor said everything went perfectly,” the representative said.
The spokesperson added that Richie was recovering well but would take some time away from his demanding schedule before returning to the stage.
“Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” the spokesperson said.
Lionel Richie postpones upcoming concerts
Richie had been scheduled to perform in San Francisco, Chicago and Columbus over the next two weeks. However, those concerts have now been postponed as the veteran performer prioritises his recovery.
The latest development comes weeks after Richie was taken to hospital in late August after feeling unwell during a performance in St Louis, Missouri.
The health scare reportedly left his family concerned, with his daughters particularly encouraging him to reduce his workload.
A source previously told the Daily Mail that Richie’s daughters wanted their father to slow down because of how important he was to them.
“His daughters, especially, really want him to slow down because he means so much to them, he has always been there for them, he has been like a Super Dad,” the source said.
Family concerned about demanding schedule
The source also claimed that Richie’s family had been concerned about the pace of his work, particularly as his latest tour followed eight seasons of American Idol, where he served as a judge.
“They have worried that Lionel was working too hard with this new tour on the heels of eight seasons of American Idol, which is a super demanding job,” the source added.
Richie is a father of three: daughters Nicole and Sofia, and son Miles.
The singer, known for global hits including Hello and All Night Long, is expected to return to performing once he has had sufficient time to recover.
For now, Richie is taking time away from the stage following the procedure, with his representative saying the singer is recovering well and plans to return to live performances.