Lionel Richie will have to take more “time off” after suffering a second medical emergency in a matter of weeks.
Eric Todisco and Sarah Jones – Page Six
Lionel Richie was hospitalised yet again after suffering another heart issue, Page Six can confirm.
“Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation. The doctor said everything went perfectly,” his spokesman told Page Six on Tuesday.
Atrial fibrillation is a hear disorder condition where the organ beats irregularly or too fast.
“Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon”.
The 77-year-old underwent AFib ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that creates tiny scars in the heart to block faulty electrical signals and help restore a normal rhythm, states the US’ John Hopkins Medicine.
TMZ reported that the next three concerts on Richie’s tour with Earth, Wind & Fire have been cancelled due to his latest health issues.
The shows were scheduled for Saturday in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago and October 2 in Columbus, Ohio.
Richie spent three days in the hospital after he checked himself into the intensive care unit following his concert in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 29.
The American Idol judge was reportedly tested for cardiac-related issues, after doctors linked the cause of his illness to slight dehydration.
US magazine People reported on September 2 that Richie was back home in Los Angeles and “doing great”.
He stepped out for the first time post-hospitalisation with his wife, Lisa Parigi, at Chinese restaurant Mr Chow in Beverly Hills on Saturday.
At his August 29 St Louis concert, Richie, who was visibly struggling, had someone on his team bring out a chair that he sat on while performing his final song, All Night Long.
Richie also drank electrolytes onstage and said, “I’m telling you, this stuff is nasty — but it works. That’s all you gotta remember — just drink your electrolytes and you too can be like me”.
The Grammy Award winner was previously rushed to the hospital in June after he fell ill onstage and abruptly ended his concert in St Paul, Minnesota early.
“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your a**e down,” he told the crowd at the time, before he took an intermission. Nearly an hour later, a band member told the audience that the show would be cancelled because Richie was “not feeling well”.
The Truly singer subsequently cancelled two concert shows in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, but later reassured fans he was “doing well” after the dizzy spell.
“Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love,” he wrote via Instagram on July 4. “I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you”.
This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.