I'm a first-timer here, so please forgive me, but I can't sift through the enormous "No Richie on current leg of tour" thread to find the answer.

I'm just following internet rumors, but has Richie's status in the band been officially confirmed?

Again, I totally apologize for asking such a n00b question. I'm sure the answer is buried somewhere in these threads; I just can't find it. But as they say on Reddit, please "explain like I'm 5" regarding what's up with Richie (and apparently with Tico?).

Thanks so much.