Celine Dion says she has a rare disease of the nerves.
In an emotional Instagram video, the pop star said she had stiff person syndrome and was postponing shows to get stronger “and be able to perform again.”
Celine Dion, a Canadian pop star, said in an emotional Instagram video on Thursday that she had to cancel and reschedule dates on her planned 2023 tour because of a serious neurological disorder.
In the five-minute-plus video, Dion said she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune and neurological disease that she said was the cause of her spasms.
She said, “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every part of my daily life. Sometimes they make it hard for me to walk, and I can’t use my vocal cords to sing like I used to.”
“It hurts me to tell you today,” she said as her voice broke, “but this means I won’t be ready to start my tour in Europe in February.” She said she was working with doctors and therapists to rebuild her strength “and ability to perform again.”
Dion is a dramatic and powerful singer who is best known for her octave-busting versions of songs like “Because You Loved Me” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Because of health problems, she had already put off her most recent Las Vegas residency and European tour and canceled her North American tour dates. Because of what she said on Thursday, her spring 2023 shows will be moved to the following year, and eight of her summer 2023 shows will be canceled.
“Singing is all I know,” she said. “I’ve been doing it my whole life, and it’s what I love the most. I miss all of you so much. I miss being on stage and singing for you all. I always give my shows my all, but my health doesn’t let me do that right now.”
“I love you guys so much, and I really hope to see you again soon,” she said.
