Richie's Heart Sends Him Back to Hospital—Kids Urge Him to Slow Down

Lionel Richie was admitted to a hospital in the United States after a new heart complication, prompting his four children to voice concerns about his touring schedule.

The 77‑year‑old singer underwent a routine procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib), and his representatives said he is recovering and will return to the stage soon.

The incident follows a string of health scares that have already disrupted Richie’s North American tour. Three upcoming concerts, set for San Francisco, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio, were cancelled after his latest hospitalization.

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## Background & Context

Richie’s latest health issue is the third serious episode in a few months. In June, he became dizzy during the opening night of his 26‑city North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in St. Paul, Minnesota.

He had to sit down several times while performing “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and the show was ultimately cancelled, along with the next two dates in Chicago and Columbus.

On August 29, Richie performed in St. Louis, Missouri. Near the end of the concert he struggled, requested a chair during his final song “All Night Long,” and subsequently checked himself into a local hospital’s intensive care unit.

He spent three days there before returning to the road.

The most recent hospitalization occurred after he experienced another heart problem. Richie was treated for atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia that can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats. , the procedure went “perfectly,” and he is doing well.

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## What People Are Saying

“Lionel’s kids really want him to slow down. They’re concerned about him and worry that he’s pushing himself too hard, especially after everything that’s happened over the past few months,” an insider told a reporter exclusively. “Seeing him have these health scares is obviously scary for them,” the source added.

“And they wish he would give himself more time to rest and just hit the pause button once in a while.”

The children—daughter Nicole, 45; son Miles, 32; and daughter Sofia, 28—share Richie with former wives Diane Alexander and Brenda Harvey‑Richie. They acknowledged that performing is a central part of their father’s life.

The insider said they “know how much music and performing mean to him” and that they would never expect him to abandon the stage entirely. They simply want him to prioritize health.

The rep’s statement emphasized recovery: “Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib). The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”

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## What Happens Next

Richie’s next three tour dates—scheduled for Saturday in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago, and October 2 in Columbus, Ohio—have been cancelled. The official announcement cited his latest health issues as the reason for the cancellations.

, Richie will take a brief break from touring but is expected to return soon. No definitive schedule has been released for his comeback performances.

Fans who followed the recent posts from Richie’s representatives can anticipate an updated tour itinerary once his recovery is complete. The singer’s team has not yet provided a specific date for his next show, but they confirmed he will resume performing as soon as possible.

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Lionel Richie’s ongoing health challenges have raised questions about the feasibility of his touring commitments. While his children advocate for more rest, the artist’s career remains a major focus. The music community awaits further updates on when the legendary performer will step back onto the stage.