Celine Dion, the beloved Canadian singer, has announced that she will be postponing some dates on her European tour due to a rare neurological condition called stiff-person syndrome. In a heartfelt video shared on her social media accounts, Dion explained that her illness prevents her from singing the way she’s used to.
According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation, this condition causes muscle rigidity and spasms, which can make patients immobile or unable to take care of themselves. Dion revealed that her muscle spasms affect every aspect of her daily life, making it difficult for her to move comfortably and communicate as she’s accustomed to.
“It has been quite difficult for me to face these challenges and talk about everything that has happened to me. I have been dealing with health problems for a very long time,” Dion shared, visibly emotional.
Unfortunately, Dion’s illness has forced her to postpone the European leg of her tour, originally scheduled for February. The new dates have been set for 2023, with eight performances between May 31 and July 17 affected by the change. However, Dion assured her fans that she is working closely with her family, medical professionals, and doctors to improve her condition.
Despite her health struggles, Dion expressed her desire to return to the stage, saying, “I’m just a singer, and I find the most happiness in doing what I love.”
The news of Dion’s condition has garnered sympathy and support from various individuals, including the Premier of Québec, François Legault. Legault expressed his hopes for Dion’s speedy recovery during a press conference, while a touching tribute to Dion took place in Toronto’s Queen’s Park, where a children’s choir performed her iconic song, “My Heart Will Go On.”
To regain her strength and improve her performance, Dion has been meeting with a sports medicine therapist every day. She conveyed her sincere longing for her audience, telling them, “I miss seeing all of you. Normally, when I perform, I give it my all, but my health is currently preventing me from doing so for you.”
If you would like more information about Dion’s tour and any upcoming schedules, you can visit her official website.
Stiff-person syndrome is a rare condition, with fewer than 5,000 cases estimated in the United States by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. While symptoms can manifest at any age, they are most frequently observed in adulthood.
