Legendary singer and LGBTQ+ icon Céline Dion opened up about her health and why she is postponing her upcoming tour.
In an emotional Instagram video shared on Thursday, the Canadian singer said she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological disease that causes muscle spasms.
“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,” she said in the video.
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“Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological condition called stiff-person syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people,” she continued. Dion also said her diagnosis helped her understand the spasms she has been experiencing.
“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.”
Céline Dion Cancels Tour Dates
Dion initially planned to tour in 2020, but had to postpone due to the pandemic. She then moved it again due to health reasons (now known to be related to her diagnosis). Now, the singer has announced a new set of dates for her spring 2023 shows and is canceling eight others.
“For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment,” she continued in the video. “And I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery.” The five-time Grammy Award-winning singer said she has a great team of doctors and her children – René-Charles, Nelson and Eddy – there by her side.
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“All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life, and it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you. Being on the stage. Performing for you. I always give 100 percent when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
“I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I’m doing everything I can to recuperate. I want to thank you so much for your encouraging wishes of love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me. Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon. Thank you.”
