Céline Dion Postpones European Tour Due to Stiff-Person Syndrome
Céline Dion, the renowned Canadian singer, has made the difficult decision to postpone several dates of her European tour following a recent diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological illness.
In heartfelt videos posted on her social media accounts in English and French, Dion expressed her disappointment, stating that her condition has affected her ability to sing the way she is accustomed to.
“Facing these challenges and opening up about everything I’ve been through has been incredibly difficult for me. I’ve been dealing with health issues for a very long time,”
Stiff-person syndrome is a condition characterized by progressive muscle rigidity and spasms. According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation, individuals with this condition may experience paralysis, immobility, or become bedridden.
Dion, 54, shared that her daily life is greatly impacted by the muscle spasms she experiences. At times, the illness makes it challenging for her to walk and affects her speech.
The iconic singer expressed her deep disappointment about not being able to start the European leg of her tour in February as planned. She has rescheduled her 2023 tour for the following year, leading to the complete postponement of eight shows from May 31 to July 17, 2023.
Despite the setback, Dion assured her fans that she, along with her family and doctors, is doing everything possible to improve her condition. Her hope is to return to the stage and continue doing what she loves most—singing.
Premier of Québec, François Legault, expressed concern for Dion’s health, stating his wishes for her swift recovery. He emphasized the importance of Dion, who hails from Charlemagne, to the province.
A children’s choir in Toronto’s Queen’s Park performed Dion’s hit song “My Heart Will Go On” as a tribute to the beloved singer.
To aid her recovery, Dion disclosed that she meets with a sports medicine therapist daily to improve her strength and prepare for future performances.
Despite missing her fans dearly, Dion apologized for her current health limitations, expressing her regret for being unable to give her all during her performances.
Last year, Dion had to postpone her world tour due to severe and persistent muscle spasms.
Céline Dion’s official website provides updates on her tour and any rescheduled dates.
Stiff-person syndrome is a rare condition, with fewer than 5,000 reported cases in the United States, according to the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. While the symptoms can emerge at any point in a person’s life, they are typically first noticed in adults.