In an emotional Instagram video shared on Thursday, Céline Dion opened up about her health, which she says will force her to cancel and postpone a series of upcoming concert dates
Céline Dion revealed Thursday morning that she's been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms.
In a tearful video posted to her Instagram account in both English and French, the Canadian singer said her condition would force her to postpone and cancel a series of upcoming concert dates.
"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," Dion, 54, wrote in the caption of the post. "It hurts me to tell you that I won't be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February."
"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 said in her video. "While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what has been causing all of the spasms that I've been having."
The condition, according to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation, affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. "Patients can be disabled, wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves," they say, adding that the neurological disease with autoimmune features can include symptoms like "hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety," and muscle spasms "so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones."
"Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life," Dion continued. "Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to."
Dion — who has three sons, René-Charles, 21, and 11-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy with her late husband René Angélil — went on to note that she has "a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better."
"And my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope," she said.
Because of her condition, Dion's Spring 2023 shows have been rescheduled to 2024, while eight of her summer 2023 shows — previously scheduled from May 31 to July 17, 2023 — have been canceled altogether.
But the five-time Grammy winner said that she is not giving up on being able to perform again. "All I know is singing," she said. "It's what I've done all my life. And it's what I love to do the most."
"I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again," Dion added. "But I have to admit, it's been a struggle."
The "My Heart Will Go On" singer became even more emotional while expressing her love for her fans. "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."
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Céline Dion Reveals Diagnosis with Rare Neurological Disease (people.com)
Céline Dion revealed Thursday morning that she's been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms.
In a tearful video posted to her Instagram account in both English and French, the Canadian singer said her condition would force her to postpone and cancel a series of upcoming concert dates.
"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," Dion, 54, wrote in the caption of the post. "It hurts me to tell you that I won't be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February."
"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 said in her video. "While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what has been causing all of the spasms that I've been having."
The condition, according to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation, affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. "Patients can be disabled, wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves," they say, adding that the neurological disease with autoimmune features can include symptoms like "hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety," and muscle spasms "so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones."
"Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life," Dion continued. "Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to."
Dion — who has three sons, René-Charles, 21, and 11-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy with her late husband René Angélil — went on to note that she has "a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better."
"And my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope," she said.
Because of her condition, Dion's Spring 2023 shows have been rescheduled to 2024, while eight of her summer 2023 shows — previously scheduled from May 31 to July 17, 2023 — have been canceled altogether.
But the five-time Grammy winner said that she is not giving up on being able to perform again. "All I know is singing," she said. "It's what I've done all my life. And it's what I love to do the most."
"I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again," Dion added. "But I have to admit, it's been a struggle."
The "My Heart Will Go On" singer became even more emotional while expressing her love for her fans. "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."
CONTINUED:
Céline Dion Reveals Diagnosis with Rare Neurological Disease (people.com)
