Due to a recent diagnosis of the uncommon neurological condition known as a stiff-person syndrome, legendary Canadian singer Céline Dion has delayed several European tour dates.
In two videos uploaded on Thursday on her social media accounts (in both English and French), Dion stated that the crippling illness prevents her from “singing the way I’m used to.”
Gradual muscle rigidity and spasm disease called stiff-person syndrome cause this. According to The Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation, people with the illness may be unable to care for themselves, be crippled, or be bedridden.
The muscle spasms Dion, 54, experiences “impact every area of my everyday existence,” she claimed.
She continued, breaking down in tears as she admitted that the condition sometimes made it difficult for her to walk and prevented her from utilizing her voice in the way she was accustomed to.
It’s been incredibly difficult for me to face these obstacles and talk about everything I’ve been through, she added. “I’ve been struggling with problems with my health for a long time.”
Dion expressed her profound disappointment at being unable to start the European part of her tour in February due to her diagnosis. Her 2023 tour has been rescheduled for the following year. Between May 31 and July 17, 2023, eight of Dion’s scheduled performances have been completely postponed.
The My Heart Will Go On singer told fans that she, her family, and her physicians are making every effort to help her situation get better.
The five-time Grammy award winner was hopeful she will sing again.
“All I know is singing,” she added. “I’ve spent my entire life doing it. And it’s what I love to do the most.”
On Thursday morning, François Legault, the premier of Québec, expressed sympathy for Dion’s condition. Legault told reporters he hopes Dion “gets well as quickly as possible” while on route to the National Assembly’s question period.
We’re really pleased with her. And she’s from my riding Charlemagne. Therefore, it’s critical,” Legault added.
A children’s choir played My Heart Will Go On in Queen’s Park in Toronto as part of their homage to Dion.
Dion said she meets daily with a sports medicine therapist to build up her strength and get into performance shape.
“I miss you. Dion apologized to her supporters, “I miss seeing all of you. “When I perform, I always give everything I have, but at this time, my health prevents me from doing that for you.”
Dion canceled her world tour earlier this year because of “severe and ongoing muscular spasms.”
On her website, Dion provides details about her tour and any scheduled reschedules.
According to the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, less than 5,000 cases of stiff-person syndrome have been documented in the United States. Although they might start at any time in a patient’s life, the disorder’s symptoms are most frequently observed in adulthood.
