Lionel Richie is taking time away from the stage after undergoing a heart procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, forcing the music legend to cancel three upcoming concerts.
The 77-year-old singer was hospitalized this week while in the middle of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
“Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib),” a rep for Richie tells PEOPLE in a statement. “The doctor said everything went perfectly.”
The rep adds, “Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
Richie underwent an ablation, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat irregular heart rhythms including AFib.
His hospitalization has forced the cancellation of three shows with Earth, Wind & Fire that had been scheduled for Sept. 26 in San Francisco, Sept. 30 in Chicago and Oct. 2 in Columbus, Ohio.
The latest procedure follows several health setbacks for the longtime performer this year.
Richie checked himself into a hospital out of caution following an Aug. 29 performance in St. Louis.
He was admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent cardiac testing before being released Sept. 2 and returning to Los Angeles.
Richie was spotted back out in Beverly Hills over the weekend, attending a dinner party at Mr. Chow with his girlfriend, Lisa Parigi, and smiling for photographers.
His health had already caused concern earlier in the summer.
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In June, Richie cut a performance short after speaking onstage about feeling dizzy. He later postponed two concerts to “rest and return to full health.”
Richie returned to the stage June 30 and joked with fans about the attention surrounding his health.
“You have no idea what I have been through in the last 24 hours, listening to my friends tell me their advice on what I should be doing.”
He later thanked fans for the wave of messages and support.
“Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love,” he wrote at the time. “I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the heart’s upper chambers and can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
An ablation creates small areas of scar tissue designed to block abnormal electrical signals that can trigger the irregular heartbeat.
Richie has spent decades as one of the most recognizable voices in American music, first rising to fame with the Commodores before launching a blockbuster solo career.
For now, Richie is focusing on his recovery, with his representative saying the singer plans to return to the stage soon.
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