NEVADA, US – Renowned vocalist Céline Dion has put her global tour on hold following a diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder causing severe muscle spasms. The beloved performer announced the cancellation of all her concert tour dates through April 2024 last week.
The decision, made in the interests of her health and with consideration for her fans, was reported by People Magazine.
The hope is for Dion to tour again when her health allows. For now, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer is prioritising her recovery.
“It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour. I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again,” a statement on her social media channels said, reaffirming the star’s commitment to return to the stage.
“I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%. It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again.”
She expressed her unwavering determination with a poignant message to fans: “I want you all to know I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
According to the statement issued on Friday, May 26, 2023, tickets purchased for the forty-two cancelled dates will be refunded via the original point of sale.
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Dion, 55, was first diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in December. This led to her postponing and eventually cancelling a few shows before the recent announcement of the cancellation of her Courage World Tour’s remaining 42 dates.
The Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation describes the condition as affecting the central nervous system, potentially causing “hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety,” and severe muscle spasms, which can result in joint dislocations or broken bones.
The condition has particularly affected Dion’s ability to perform.
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” Dion confessed in an Instagram post. “My spasms create difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”
Dion’s tenacity shines through her health challenges, and her appreciation for her fans remains strong. She recently expressed gratitude for the outpouring of birthday wishes she received in March, saying, “I felt this giant wave of love.”
Fans across the globe will undoubtedly continue to support the queen of power ballads in her journey to recovery and eagerly await her return to the stage.
