The iconic Canadian singer Céline Dion has postponed several dates of her European tour due to a recent diagnosis of the rare neurological illness known as stiff-person syndrome.
In two English and French-language videos posted on Thursday to her social media accounts, Dion said that her terrible sickness prevented her from “singing the way I’m used to.”
This is brought on by a condition called stiff-person syndrome, which gradually produces muscle rigidity and spasm. The Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation states that those who have the condition may become paralyzed, unable to move, or confined to a bed.
Dion, 54, claimed that her daily life is affected by the muscle spasms she has.
She continued, sobbing uncontrollably as she acknowledged that the disease occasionally made it challenging for her to walk and stopped her from speaking in the way she was used to.
She continued, “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.”
Dion admitted to being really disappointed that her diagnosis prevented her from beginning the European leg of her tour in February. She has rescheduled her 2023 tour for the following year. Eight of Celine Dion’s scheduled shows have been totally postponed from May 31 to July 17, 2023.
The My Heart Will Go On singer assured fans that she, her family, and her doctors are doing all possible to make things better for her.
The five-time Grammy winner hoped to perform once more.
She continued, “Singing is all I know. “I’ve done it my entire life. And I enjoy doing it the most.
Premier of Québec François Legault voiced concern about Dion’s condition on Thursday morning. Legault told reporters he hopes Dion “gets well as quickly as possible” while on route to the National Assembly’s question session.
She has truly impressed us. And she comes from Charlemagne, whom I rode. So it’s important,” Legault continued.
In Toronto’s Queen’s Park, a children’s choir performed My Heart Will Go On as part of their tribute to Dion.
Dion claimed that she meets with a sports medicine therapist every day to increase her strength and get in performance shape.
I sincerely miss you. “I miss seeing all of you,” Dion said in an apology to her fans. “When I perform, I usually offer everything I have, but right now, my health prevents me from doing that for you.”
Last year, Dion had to postpone her world tour due to “severe and persistent muscle spasms.”
Dion gives information about her tour and any scheduled reschedules on her website.
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences estimates that there are less than 5,000 cases of stiff-person syndrome in the country. Although they could begin at any point in a patient’s life, the symptoms of the illness are typically first noticed in adults.