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New York — NEW YORK (AP) – Lionel Richie is taking a break from touring as he recovers from a heart procedure, the singer’s representative confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Richie underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, and the “doctor said everything went perfectly,” he read. “Lionel is doing great but he will be taking some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
A-fib is a shaky or irregular heartbeat that is a risk factor for blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Some researchers estimate that more than 10 million Americans have it – most of them older.
The 77-year-old singer canceled two concerts earlier this year, in June, after falling ill. And in August, reports of Richie checking himself into hospital after a concert in St Louis made the rounds online.
Richie planned to play with Earth, Wind & Fire Saturday in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago and October 3 in Columbus, Ohio.
According to his website, he is currently planning to launch his “King of Hearts” residency shows at Las Vegas’ the Wynn in October and November.
Oscar winner and four-time Grammy Award winner Richie launched his career with the Commodores before becoming a successful solo artist. In addition to his hit hits like “Hello,” Richie co-wrote the iconic charity album “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson and has sold over 100 million records. He is also a judge on “American Idol.”
