Dancer Michael Flatley has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Representatives for Mr Flatley said he has undergone surgery and is in the care of doctors.
"We ask only for your prayers and well wishes," a statement added.
The Irish dancer became a household name after dancing 'Riverdance' during the Eurovision Song Contest interval in Dublin in 1994.
From there he went on to choreograph his own 'Lord of the Dance' show, which is now marking its 25th anniversary.
Mr Flatley is due to perform at Dublin's Bord Gáis Energy Theatre next month as part of a European tour.
On his work, Flatley has said: "Everyone in the world will tell you, ‘No, it can’t be done.’
"Every time I hear that, I know I’m close to success."
Michael Flatley is seen ahead of a Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin in February 2018. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock PhotoSince its premiere, 'Lord of the Dance' has been seen by over 60 million people.
Last year he starred in, directed, produced and wrote a spy thriller entitled 'Blackbird'.
On the film's Irish release, he said: "The pandemic has brought about many unprecedented production delays, but we're finally there.
"As well as filming on location in Barbados and the UK, we filmed many scenes in Ireland, so premiering here was always the first choice.
"There’s nothing more breath-taking than the Irish landscape," he added.
