Photo: Getty Images
Lionel Richie has been hospitalized again after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, TMZ reported.
The 77-year-old singer underwent a minimally invasive procedure known as an ablation to treat the condition.
His representative confirmed the hospitalization and procedure to PEOPLE, saying, “The doctor said everything went perfectly.” The representative added that Richie is “doing great” but will take some time away from performing.
The health issue has also affected Richie’s ongoing Sing a Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. Three upcoming performances have been canceled: September 26 in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago and October 2 in Columbus, Ohio.
The latest hospitalization comes weeks after Richie spent three days in a St. Louis hospital following an August 29 concert. He was released September 2 after undergoing cardiac testing and was recently photographed out in Beverly Hills.
Richie also experienced a health scare in June after becoming dizzy and feeling “strange” during a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was taken to a hospital and postponed two performances before returning to the stage.
Richie’s representative said he plans to return to performing after taking time to recover.
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