Lionel Richie recovering after heart procedure, temporarily steps back from tour

Lionel Richie is taking a temporary break from touring as he recovers from a heart procedure, with his representative saying the singer is doing well and is expected to return to the stage soon.

The 77-year-old music icon recently underwent a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation (A-fib), a condition that causes an irregular or quivering heartbeat. According to a statement from his representative, the procedure went well and Richie is now recovering.

“Doctor said everything went perfectly,” the representative said in a statement to The Associated Press, adding that Richie is “doing great” but will take some time away from performing.

The health update comes after Richie had already postponed two concerts in June after falling ill. In August, reports also circulated online claiming that the singer had gone to a hospital after performing in St. Louis.

Lionel Richie pauses tour after heart procedure

Richie was scheduled to perform with Earth, Wind & Fire in the coming weeks, including shows in San Francisco on Saturday, Chicago on September 30 and Columbus, Ohio, on October 3.

His temporary break from touring comes as he recovers from the A-fib procedure. His website also lists “King of Hearts” residency performances at the Wynn in Las Vegas in October and November.

A-fib is an irregular heartbeat associated with an increased risk of blood clots, stroke and heart failure. A research by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology estimates that more than 10 million people in the US may have the condition, with most cases occurring among older adults.

Lionel Richie career: From The Commodores to solo stardom

Richie first rose to fame as a member of The Commodores before establishing a hugely successful solo career.

He is known for hits including “Hello” and has won an Oscar and four Grammy Awards. Richie also co-wrote “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson, the charity single that became one of the most recognisable songs of its era.

The singer has sold more than 100 million records during his career and continues to appear as a judge on “American Idol.”

For now, Richie is taking time away from the road while he recovers, with his representative indicating that he plans to return to the stage soon.

With AP inputs