The former Commodores star, whose hits include 'All Night Long' and 'Hello', is the first artist confirmed for the 2015 music extravaganza.
It will be his debut UK festival appearance and he will play in the Sunday teatime slot on the Pyramid Stage, according to the festival's website.
Open Image Modal
"Hello"
Emily Eavis, the daughter of Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis and co-organiser of the festival, said: "We are over the moon. We've had some amazing performances in the Sunday teatime slot over the years, from Neil Diamond, Shirley Bassey, Paul Simon and many others.
"And, of course, Dolly Parton played an incredible set this year. So we felt very lucky to get the call from a true Motown legend asking to play next year.
"He's got so many amazing songs, to see him perform here on the farm is just going to be wonderful."
The festival's official Twitter account posted: "We're pleased to announce that @LionelRichie will make his first ever UK festival appearance at Glastonbury 2015!"
Tens of thousands of music fans were left disappointed after the £225 tickets were snapped up in just 26 minutes.
The 150,000 tickets were bought up even before the festival line-up has been announced.
Richie said: "I'm really excited to play Glastonbury next year as it's one of the most iconic festivals in the world.
"It has a phenomenal history and the alumni of artists who have previously played is incredible so I'm honoured to be joining that club.
"It will be a really special moment for me and I can't wait to share it with everyone. I can now say 'Yes, I'm playing Glastonbury'."
Glastonbury 2015 Line-Up Rumours
(01 of13)
Open Image Modal
Taylor Swift has a Glastonbury-sized gap in her '1989' World Tour schedule, and Michael Eavis has stated that he'd love the singer to perform at Worthy Farm. Watch this space... (credit:Greg Allen/Invision/AP)
(02 of13)
Open Image Modal
AC/DC have already confirmed that they're working on a new album, before heading off on tour again - could a stop at Worthy Farm be on the cards? (credit:Scott Legato via Getty Images)
(03 of13)
Open Image Modal
Plenty of Glastonbury fans are keeping their fingers crossed for a Fleetwood Mac annoucement. (credit:Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
(04 of13)
Open Image Modal
Could Queen and Adam Lambert be heading for Somerset? Brian May has refused to confirm - or deny - the rumours... (credit:Greg Allen/Invision/AP)
(05 of13)
Open Image Modal
Well, it wouldn't be Glastonbury without Fatboy Slim, would it? (credit:Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
(06 of13)
Open Image Modal
After weeks of speculation over a possible secret set at 2014's festival, Prince and his band didn't perform there. Could 2015 be the year? (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
(07 of13)
Open Image Modal
Adele's famously said she'll never do festivals - could Michael Eavis convince her to change her mind? (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
(08 of13)
Open Image Modal
Could Florence's comeback include a stop at Glasto? (credit:John Davisson/Invision/AP)
(09 of13)
Open Image Modal
Rockers Muse are being tipped by bookmakers. (credit:Sharon Latham/Manchester City FC)
(10 of13)
Open Image Modal
If Oasis ever reunite, surely Glastonbury would be the perfect place to do it? (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
(11 of13)
Open Image Modal
Foo Fighters graced the Main Stage in 1998 so we think it's about time they returned. (credit:Jim Dyson via Getty Images)
(12 of13)
Open Image Modal
Well, if Beyoncé can... (credit:Mark Davis/NBC via Getty Images)
(13 of13)
Open Image Modal
Coldplay's seventh album is in the works, and rumour has it that Chris and his bandmates could be heading for the Pyramid Stage once again. (credit:Powers Imagery/Invision/AP)