The Newshound

Lionel Richie hospitalised for a THIRD time in months and cancels shows after atrial fibrillation procedure

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026 · last updated 23 September 2026.

Lionel Richie, who underwent an AFib ablation to restore a normal heart rhythm after appearing to struggle for breath on stage, has been hospitalised for a third time since June.
Lionel Richie, who underwent an AFib ablation to restore a normal heart rhythm after appearing to struggle for breath on stage, has been hospitalised for a third time since June.

Lionel Richie's daughters Nicole and Sofia have been pleading with the 77-year-old to slow down after he underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation — his third hospitalisation since June. His representative confirmed the operation went "perfectly" and that Richie is "doing great", but three upcoming tour dates with Earth, Wind & Fire have been cancelled. The scrapped shows were scheduled for San Francisco this Saturday, Chicago on September 30, and Columbus, Ohio on October 2.

Richie's health troubles began in June when he felt 'dizzy and strange' mid-concert in St Paul, Minnesota, and left by ambulance.

In August he ended up in the ICU after being visibly winded on stage in St Louis, asking for a chair during 'All Night Long'.

His Las Vegas 'King of Hearts' residency at the Wynn is still listed on his website for October and November.

MoreDaily MailLionel Richie suffers another heart issueYahoo News UKLionel Richie presses pause on tour due to heart procedureYahoo News UKLionel Richie is 'doing great' after undergoing heart procedureThe IndependentLionel Richie, 77, hospitalized on tour for third time as singer cancels more showsAPLionel Richie is taking a break from performing following a heart procedureYahooSinger Lionel Richie taking time off after heart procedure
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →