Music legend Lionel Richie has been forced to step away from the stage once again after another trip to the hospital.
This is the third time in just four months that the legendary singer has faced a health scare.
But this time, the cause is markedly different from what he experienced before.
The 77-year-old singer was in the middle of his busy touring schedule when the latest health scare forced him to put his performances on hold.
The news comes after several health scares involving the beloved performer in recent months, leaving fans concerned about the toll his demanding schedule may be taking.
Three shows canceled
Richie’s latest hospitalization was reported Tuesday, September 22, while he was touring with Earth, Wind & Fire on their ”Sing a Song All Night Long” tour.
According to TMZ, the situation led to the cancellation of three upcoming concerts: a September 26 show in San Francisco, a September 30 performance in Chicago and an October 2 date in Columbus, Ohio.
It marks another interruption for Richie after two previous health-related incidents since June. This time, however, doctors identified a specific heart rhythm problem and treated it with a procedure known as an AFib ablation.
Doctors treat Lionel’s condition
Richie’s representative confirmed that the singer underwent treatment for atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat.
”Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation. The doctor said everything went perfectly,” his representative told Page Six.
The procedure, known as an AFib ablation, is minimally invasive. Doctors use it to create small areas of scar tissue in the heart that block abnormal electrical signals and help restore a regular rhythm.
Richie’s representative said the procedure went well and that the singer is taking time to recover before returning to the stage.
The latest diagnosis is different from what was reported following his hospitalization in August. At the time, his illness was reportedly attributed to ”slight dehydration,” although he also underwent testing for possible heart-related problems.
His children reportedly want him to slow down
Behind the scenes, Richie’s children — Nicole, 45, Miles, 32, and Sofia, 28 — are reportedly worried about their father following his recent health scares.
A source told Page Six that his children ”really want him to slow down” and take more time to rest.
”Seeing him have these health scares is obviously scary for them,” the insider added.
Still, performing has remained a huge part of Richie’s life. Even after decades in the spotlight, the singer has continued to tour and perform for audiences around the world.
Fans became concerned
The latest hospitalization follows a summer in which fans watched Richie experience another health scare onstage.
During an August 29 performance at The Muny in St. Louis, Richie appeared to struggle toward the end of the show. While performing ”All Night Long,” he asked for a chair and continued singing while seated.
Richie still finished the performance, but he told the audience that something had happened during the tour that had left him searching for answers.
”Some things have been happening on this tour that kind of shook me up a little bit, because I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on,” Richie said.
The crowd still saw the performer they love
Despite the concern surrounding the performance, concertgoers praised Richie for continuing to deliver an energetic show.
Fans described him as funny, charming and full of energy, with one concertgoer saying he ”commanded the stage” and that it was a concert ”we will be talking about forever.”
Another wrote, ”This great concert took my mind back 40 plus years ago ..it was a great show”.
Others were more concerned after learning that Richie had required medical attention following the performance.
One fan wrote, ”It was a great show! But sorry to hear he was hospitalized afterwards. Prayers for Lionel!”
Another added, ”It was a fantastic show! He still sounds and looks great and he was charming and personable!”
Felt ”dizzy” on stage
Richie’s recent problems began even earlier.
During a June 24 concert at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, the singer told the audience that he was feeling ”dizzy” and ”strange.”
He sat down during ”Dancing on the Ceiling,” something he would not normally do during such a high-energy portion of his show.
Richie ultimately had to end the concert early. His saxophonist, Dino Soldo, told the crowd that the singer was not feeling well, and paramedics later took Richie to a hospital as a precaution.
Difficult to watch
Videos from the June performance quickly circulated online, prompting an outpouring of concern from Richie’s longtime fans.
One viewer wrote, ”He was smart, he knew something was wrong.”
Another admitted, ”I can’t watch. He’s one of my favorites.”
A third person speculated, ”I would not be surprised if he was overall fatigued and dehydrated, and possibly coming down with a sudden illness. He’s 77 years old and it touring takes a toll on an artist.”
Other fans who watched clips from the show said they were simply hoping the legendary singer would be OK.
A month after the health scare, he was back on stage, ready to perform for his fans once again. Richie later shared a heartfelt update on Instagram, writing, ”Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love.” He added, “I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”
Faced serious health problems before
This isn’t the first time Richie has faced a frightening health battle that threatened his ability to perform.
During the 1990s, he developed an illness affecting his vocal cords and eventually underwent four surgeries. Doctors later determined that acid reflux caused by his diet was behind the problem.
The experience was particularly frightening for a singer whose voice had become his trademark.
In an interview with People, Richie described the period as “about as close as you ever would’ve come to a nervous breakdown” because he feared he might never sing again.
”You don’t want anybody fooling around down there. This is your identity,” he said.
”I never really thought that it would end.”
For now, Richie is taking time away from the stage following his latest treatment. After decades of performing, the “Hello” singer’s fans are once again hoping their beloved music legend gets the rest he needs before returning to the spotlight.
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