After being diagnosed with an incurable neurological disorder that transforms people into “human statues,” pop icon Celine Dion announced the cancelation of her upcoming shows.
The “My Heart Will Go On” singer posted a tearful Instagram video announcing the news.
“As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I’m ready now,” the 54-year-old Grammy winner said in the devastating clip. “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”
Dion then announced that she had been diagnosed with “a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects 1 in a million people.”
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a “rare acquired neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (rigidity) and repeated episodes of painful muscle spasms.”
If SPS isn’t treated, the symptoms can get worse to the point where it significantly affects a person’s ability to do regular activities like walking or brushing their teeth.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having,” Celine said. “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”
According to the post, Dion was forced to reschedule her European tour for February because of her condition. The Canadian vocal artist also canceled eight of her summer shows scheduled for 2023 and postponed Spring 2023 until 2024.
The adored Canadian pop singer communicated that she is presently receiving care for her SPS illness.
“I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me help,” she stated. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”
“I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you,” Dion stated. “I always give 100 percent when I do my show but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
She continued, “For me to reach you again I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery.”
The earth-shattering announcement comes after the singer confessed in October 2021 that she had to put off her Las Vegas residency because of “severe” muscle spasms.
Dion later canceled her North American tour and postponed her European tour.
