Lionel Richie undergoes heart condition procedure, will ‘take some time off’
Lionel Richie performs on stage at The Muny in St. Louis on Aug. 29.David Carson / St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleSept. 22, 2026, 1:28 PM EDT / Updated Sept. 22, 2026, 1:58 PM EDTBy Chloe Melas and David K. LiLionel Richie underwent a heart procedure which could cast doubt on an upcoming Las Vegas residency and other shows, a representative for the famed singer and producer said Tuesday.
Richie was scheduled to perform with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday night, but his camp said he’ll be taking time off.
“Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib),” a representative for Richie said in a statement to NBC News.
“The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire also had upcoming dates set for Sept. 30 at the United Center in Chicago and Oct. 2 at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.
He then has a residency scheduled at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, with shows set for Oct. 14, 16, 17 and Nov. 11, 13 and 14.
Richie was playing in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 24 when he was forced to end the show early, telling fans he was feeling dizzy.
He was performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” when he sat down on stage, stood up and walked a few feet before sitting down again.
He also reportedly checked into a St. Louis hospital after feeling weak and dehydrated following an Aug. 29 show.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Chloe MelasChloe Melas is an entertainment correspondent for NBC News.
David K. LiSenior Breaking News Reporter
