Celine Dion has been forced to cancel all of her planned shows in 2023 after being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
The I’m Alive singer has been suffering with the condition, which causes her muscles to tense uncontrollably and progressively locks the body into rigid positions, affecting her ability to move and sing.
Although there is no known cure for the rare ailment, there are treatments to slow down the progression of the illness and the vocal powerhouse is working with doctors in a bid to manage the effects and return to performing.
However, in a video shared on social media, Celine shared the sad news that she’s wiped the entirety of her live schedule for next year in order to rehabilitate.
She said: “Hello everyone, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I’m ready now.
“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.Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects one in a million people
“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.”
Explaining the condition, the My Heart Will Go On hitmaker continued: “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to.
“It hurts me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February. 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.
“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. All I know is singing; It’s what I’ve done all my life and It’s what I love to do the most.
“I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you. I always give 100 per cent when I do my show but my condition is now allowing me to give you that right now. 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. This is my focus and I’m doing everything I can to recuperate.
“I want to thank you so much for your wishes and love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me,” she concluded. “Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon.”
Affected are 23 European ‘Courage World Tour’ concerts, scheduled from February through April 2023, which will be postponed to spring 2024. Meanwhile, eight performances in summer 2023 will be cancelled.
