Celine Dion had to cancel both her North American and European appearances this year, first citing "severe and persistent muscle spasms which are preventing her from performing" then "health issues."
The Canadian singer made an emotional announcement she would need to postpone 23 Courage World Tour appearances to 2024 and cancel 8 others via Instagram on Thursday.
You can see her announcement—which she also shared in French—in English here:
During her announcement, Dion had to pause several times to avoid crying:
"Hello, everyone. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much, and I can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person."
"As you know, I’ve always been an open book, and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now."
"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."
"Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people."
National Institute of Health (NIH) describes Stiff-Person Syndrome as:
"Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare, progressive neurological disorder. Symptoms may include stiff muscles in the trunk (torso), arms, and legs; and greater sensitivity to noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms."
She went on to describe how the condition is affecting every aspect of her life:
"While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we know now this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I have 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."
"It hurts me to tell you today this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February."
Dion is working with specialists to mitigate her symptoms as much as possible and trying to work up to a point where she might be able to get back on stage.
"I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle."
"All I know is singing; it’s what I’ve done all my life, and it’s what I love to do the most."
She also said she missed performing and seeing audiences in person.
"I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you. Being on the stage, performing with you."
"I always give 100 percent when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to do that right now."
"For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment, and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery."
"This is my focus, and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate.”
Fans were, of course, disappointed Dion needed to postpone her tour.
But the vast majority were much more concerned with her health and wanted her to do what she needed to for her own wellness.
Dion may have had to postpone her tour, but her fans certainly aren't going anywhere.
They totally support her taking the time she needs for her health.
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