Penny Lancaster says Rod Stewart will return stronger after heart operation

Rod Stewart's wife Penny Lancaster has assured his fans that he'll "come back stronger than ever" following his heart operation.

The 81-year-old rocker was forced to cancel the remaining dates on his 2026 North American tour in August to recover from a routine coronary stent procedure.

Sharing an update on his health, Lancaster told the Press Association that the Maggie May musician was "back at full speed in his day-to-day activities" and will eventually be strong enough to perform again.

"I mean, he does not sit down, I can never find him, he's, you know, he's got his hobbies, I mean he's just been in the gym working out, but we were under strict instructions about the level of workout he could do, and it's a gradual, build him up, build him up, kind of thing," she said.

"But he's going to come back stronger than ever, I found it hard enough as it was to slow him down so now he feels like he's got a new lease of life."

The TV presenter added that Stewart was "devastated" to cancel his tour dates and "can't wait to see his fans again" when he gets back out on the road next year.

Lancaster, who has been married to the rocker since 2007, also pointed out that Stewart's high-energy performances are similar to "running a sprint".

"I did have to explain to the doctor what Rod's performances are like, he doesn't just sit down on a stool or behind a piano, he runs around for nearly two hours with four different costume changes because he's sweating through everything," she stated.

In addition to the last dates on his One Last Time Tour, Stewart also had to cancel his Encore Shows residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

A stent is a small tube that acts like a scaffold to help keep a narrowed or blocked artery open, restoring blood flow.