Celine Dion CANCELS her World Tour amid battle with neurological disorder
Celine Dion has canceled her Courage world tour as she continues to struggle with a neurological condition.
The singer, 55, had previously postponed her scheduled shows after publicly sharing in December that she had been diagnosed with the condition known as Stiff Person Syndrome.
Celine took to Instagram on Friday to announce that it was with “huge disappointment” that she was unable to perform on her world tour, adding that she is “working really hard to rebuild her strength.”
She posted an image of her canceled tour dates saying, “It is with immense disappointment that we have to announce the cancellation of the Courage World Tour today.
“Sorry to disappoint you all again. I’m working very hard to rebuild my strength, but touring can be very difficult, even when you’re at 100%.
It’s Out: Celine Dion has canceled her world tour as she continues to battle a neurological condition known as Stiff Person Syndrome
“It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though my heart is breaking, it’s best we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to get back on stage.
“I want you all to know I’m not giving up…and I can’t wait to see you again!”
Celine also shared an image of the full list of canceled tour dates, including shows in France, Belgium, Denmark, Poland and the UK, and a statement announcing the news.
The statement added: “We are hopeful that Celine will one day be able to come to all these cities in Europe to perform for her amazing fans, but that time is just not now.”
In December, the Because You Loved Me singer revealed she had been diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called stiff person syndrome.
The condition, which affects one in a million people and causes her muscles to tense uncontrollably, eventually leaves patients like “human statues” as the body gradually locks into rigid positions, rendering patients unable to walk or speak.
While there is no cure for SPS, there are treatments that slow its progression, and Celine revealed she does everything she can to minimize symptoms.
The Power of Love singer addressed her fans in a tearful Instagram post on Dec. 8, adding that it forced her to postpone her European tour.
Sad news: The singer announced the tour’s cancellation with “huge disappointment” but added that she’s “working really hard to build her strength”
Hard times: In December, the Because You Loved Me singer revealed that she had been diagnosed with the rare neurological condition, stiff person syndrome
“Hello everyone, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to get on stage to talk to you in person,” she wrote.
“As you know, I’ve always been an open book and wasn’t ready to say anything, but now I’m ready.
“I have been battling health issues for a long time and it has been very difficult for me to face my challenges and talk about all that I have been through.
“Recently I was diagnosed with a very rare neurological condition, stiff person syndrome, which affects one in a million people.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know it’s the cause of all the spasms I’ve had.”
Describing the impact the condition has had on her, Celine continues: ‘Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulty in walking and preventing me from using my vocal cords to sing as I am used to. .
“It pains me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to resume my tour in Europe in February.
“I have a great team of doctors who work alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who support and help me.
“I work hard every day with my sports medicine therapist to rebuild my strength and my performance, but I have to admit it has been a struggle.
‘All I know is singing, that’s what I’ve been doing all my life and what I love to do the most.
‘I miss you very much. I miss seeing you all perform on stage for you.
“I always give 100 percent when I do my show, but my condition allows me to give you that now.
“For me to reach out to you again, I have no choice but to focus on my health right now, and I have hope that I am on the road to recovery.
“This is my focus and I am doing everything I can to recover.
“I want to thank you so much for your wishes and love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me.
‘Take care of yourself. Best wishes. I love you so much and I really hope I can see you again soon.”
The mother-of-three first hinted at her health issues in January 2022 when she canceled the North American dates of her Courage world tour from March 9 to April 22.
The announcement came three months after she had to cancel the start of her comeback residency in Las Vegas due to the same health issue.
Celine has become known as ‘Queen Of Las Vegas’ due to her hugely successful residencies there.
After retiring from her famed residence at Caesars Palace in 2019, she was lured back to Sin City to perform at the new Resorts World on the Strip.
A statement on her website said Celine “has recently been treated for severe and persistent muscle spasms that prevent her from performing, and her recovery is taking longer than she hoped.
“Her medical team continues to evaluate and treat the condition.”
Celine added: ‘I was really hoping I would be out of it by now, but I think I just need to be more patient and follow the regimen my doctors prescribe.
“There is a lot of organization and preparation that goes into our shows, so we have to make decisions today that will affect the plans two months down the road. I will be so happy to be back to full health, and that we are all getting through this pandemic, and I can’t wait to get back on stage.”
“Meanwhile, I am very moved by all the words of encouragement that everyone sends to me on social media. I feel your love and support and that means everything to me.”