Lionel Richie has been hospitalised for the third time in three months after experiencing another heart-related health issue, with the singer now receiving treatment for atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib. The latest development has also forced changes to his ongoing tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, with three scheduled performances cancelled as the veteran performer focuses on his recovery.
According to reports, Richie is currently in hospital undergoing treatment for atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart beats irregularly and often rapidly because of disrupted electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart. Doctors are reportedly treating him with a catheter ablation procedure, a minimally invasive treatment used to address abnormal electrical activity responsible for certain heart rhythm disorders.
During an ablation, doctors use specialized equipment to identify areas of heart tissue that are contributing to the irregular rhythm. Small areas of tissue are then treated to create scar tissue, which can interrupt faulty electrical signals and help the heart maintain a more regular rhythm. Although any cardiac procedure requires medical supervision and carries potential risks, catheter ablation is commonly used as a treatment for certain patients with atrial fibrillation.
The latest hospitalisation has resulted in the cancellation of three performances on Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Sing a Song All Night Long tour. The affected dates were scheduled for September 26 in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago and October 2 in Columbus, Ohio. The cancellations add to a series of interruptions that have affected Richie’s touring schedule in recent months.
Richie’s latest health episode is particularly notable because it marks his third reported hospitalisation within a three-month period. The singer was previously hospitalised in August following a concert in St. Louis. He reportedly spent three days in an intensive care unit while doctors conducted tests related to cardiac concerns before he was discharged.
The earlier episode followed another health scare in June, when Richie reportedly became dizzy and felt “strange” during a concert in St. Paul. The situation prompted him to cut the performance short, after which he was transported to a hospital by ambulance for evaluation.
Richie’s health difficulties began around the start of his current touring commitments with Earth, Wind & Fire. During the opening night of the tour in Minnesota on June 24, the singer was reportedly seen performing while seated after experiencing dizziness on stage. Footage from the concert circulated online, drawing attention to his condition and raising questions about whether he would be able to continue with the demanding schedule.
Despite those concerns, Richie returned to the stage soon afterward. Following the June incident, performances in Columbus and Chicago were postponed after doctors advised him to “rest and return to full health.” He subsequently resumed performing, appearing with Earth, Wind & Fire in Pittsburgh on June 30 before continuing with rescheduled dates.
The latest hospital visit reportedly came shortly after another performance. Richie appeared at The Muny’s annual summer finale concert on Saturday night before going to hospital as a precaution. Reports from the event indicated that some attendees believed the singer appeared to be struggling toward the end of the performance. He reportedly performed his final song, “All Night Long”, while seated.
