Kiko Rivera suffers second stroke and cancels summer tour: 'This time it was a little stronger and some sequelae remain'

Second stroke confirmed

Kiko Rivera has suffered a stroke for the second time in his life, the 42-year-old DJ and television personality announced on Instagram on the morning of 23 July 2026. The news came hours after he had told his 1.1 million followers that he was cancelling his entire summer tour due to a "grave health problem". In a statement posted around 10:00, Rivera wrote that he had "suffered a stroke again" and that this episode was stronger than the one he experienced in October 2022.

I have suffered a stroke again. This time it was a little stronger.

He said he was "fortunately well" but acknowledged that some minor sequelae had remained. Rivera expressed hope that with time, rehabilitation and hard work they would eventually disappear. The artist is currently admitted to the Hospital Sagrado Corazón in Seville, where his partner, dancer Lola García, visited him on Thursday morning.

Blaming constant media pressure

Rivera did not hesitate to point to the relentless scrutiny of his private life as a likely trigger. He stated that stress had probably played a major role, adding that he had been living under constant media pressure for too long, with his name appearing daily on television, social media and in headlines. Several Spanish outlets noted that recent public disputes, including his open conflict with ex-wife Irene Rosales and the state of the family estate Cantora, had kept him in the spotlight.

Stress has probably had a lot to do with it. I have been living under constant media pressure for too long, with my name present every day on television, social media and headlines.

He said life was giving him another chance and that this time he would not waste it. Rivera declared that from now on he would prioritise himself, his family and his recovery above everything else.

A new approach to privacy

In the same statement, Rivera drew a firm line around his health information. He insisted that all updates would come only from him or his family, and that only his family and his wife had access to the necessary details. He warned that some people had been speaking out of turn and asked his followers not to believe anything that did not come from those sources.

My peace, my family and my recovery are above everything. The time has come to set limits and to prioritise my well-being above all.

Friends of the DJ told the programme 'Lunes a viernes' that they were deeply worried because Rivera had stopped answering calls and messages. Singer Rasel, a close friend, confirmed the concern among his inner circle.

Previous health episodes

Rivera's first stroke occurred on 21 October 2022, when he woke at his home in Castilleja de la Cuesta with facial paralysis and loss of sensation. He was rushed to the Virgen del Rocío hospital in Seville and admitted to its stroke unit. Medical staff restricted visits at the time to shield him from emotional stress, preventing a bedside reunion with his mother, Isabel Pantoja. In July 2023, he underwent a catheterisation to treat a heart condition, telling followers that part of his heart was not working properly but that he was still alive and eager to live.

Now, with a second stroke behind him, Rivera says he will focus entirely on recovery. He ended his message by thanking fans for their respect and affection, promising to see them again soon.