Heart infection sidelines Wayne Newton

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Wayne Newton had been sidelined with a recurring heart infection.

The Las Vegas icon and “Danke Schoen” crooner has cardiomyopathy, a viral infection of the heart muscle, said Deanna Pettit, a spokeswoman for Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., on Friday. Pettit said Newton has been previously treated for the virus.

The 65-year-old singer has canceled a two-month holiday engagement at Harrah’s Las Vegas and won’t be performing on the Nov. 27 finale of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” Pettit said.

“I really want to apologize to the fans that were going to see me in those shows,” Newton said in a story posted on People magazine’s Web site. “I’m terribly apologetic. And for those who want to paint this situation with a black brush, they’re not going to get their wish. I’m going to be fine.”

Newton said his doctor was confident that he’ll be able to resume his performance schedule after two months of rest.

Pettit said Newton should be doing well enough to make an appearance on the “Dancing With the Stars” finale. He was eliminated from the competition last month.

Rita Rudner has added additional dates to her run at Harrah’s.

Newton performed at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., on Sept. 27.