Cher postpones new tour leg

NEW YORK - Cher on Monday postponed by several days a new leg of concerts across North America after doctors ordered the veteran entertainer to rest in bed.

The 68-year-old singer and actress - who back in 2002 announced a "farewell tour" but kept on performing - had added 14 more shows to her latest tour after two months on the road ending in mid-July.

But Cher postponed the first dates due Thursday in Albany, New York, and Saturday in New Hampshire, her publicist said. Both dates were rescheduled for October.

Cher was diagnosed "with what doctors termed an 'acute viral infection' and is required to be on full bed rest for several days," a statement said.

The former half of Sonny & Cher will instead open her latest leg on September 15 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, keeping two dates the following weekend in New York's Madison Square Garden.