Celine Dion announced Thursday she is postponing her spring 2023 European shows until 2024 and will cancel eight shows planned for next summer.
“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. It hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February,” the singer posted on Instagram.
Dion has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “SPS is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.”
Dion told her fans: “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having. Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”
Although scientists say they don’t fully understand the disorder, they know it affects women twice as often as it does men. It is often misdiagnosed because of its similarities to Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and other ailments.
“I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again,” Dion told her fans. “But I have to admit it’s been a struggle.
“I miss you so much,” she added. “I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
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