Celine Dion has become a household name. From her incredible voice to the music she had released over the last couple of decades, Dion is one of the most legendary singers to date.
Celine Dion Gets Vulnerable, Opens Up About Heartbreaking and Debilitating Health Issues
Sadly, the beloved performer hasn’t been able to do what she does best due to an ongoing health battle she’s been fighting in secret. While rumors swirled about what Dion was dealing with in terms of her health, the singer has chosen to remain quiet about her battle; that is until today.
In a tweet, Dion revealed that she has no choice but to cancel her remaining tour dates after being diagnosed with Stiff Person syndrome. “I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again… and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything until I’m really ready to be back on stage… I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again,” she wrote added alongside a lengthier statement.
I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again… and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything until I’m really ready to be back on stage… I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!” – Celine xx…
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) May 26, 2023
More info????https://t.co/DHUch7W7OF pic.twitter.com/bgszxVd1za
“As the world has emerged from the pandemic, Celine has continued to be treated for a diagnosed medical condition that prevents her from performing. Celine is working hard on her recovery,” the statement said in part.
“We do have every hope that someday soon, Celine will be able to come to all of these cities in Europe to perform for her amazing fans, but that time is simply not now,” the statement added. “Celine’s medical team continues to evaluate and treat the condition.”
In a video she shared on Instagram in December, Dion again apologized to her fans for not speaking with them sooner. “I miss you all so much,” Dion said, “And I can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.”
As Dion continued, she explained that “I’ve always been an open book.” But while she prides herself on being open with her fans, she “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.”
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According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Stiff Person Syndrome or SPS also carries features of an autoimmune disease and is “characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.”
As the NINDS continues, it reveals that several things can cause a person with SPS to have a flare-up. “People with SPS can be too disabled to walk or move, or they are afraid to leave the house because street noises, such as the sound of a horn, can trigger spasms and falls.”
It still remains unclear what causes SPS to occur in a person but it is known that it affects twice as many women as it does men.
“While we are still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” Celine continued revealing that “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.”
As a result of the ongoing battle, Dion admitted that “it hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”
Dion added that she has a great team of doctors working with her to help her get back on stage soon and that her “precious children are giving her hope” for the future. “I’m working hard,” Celine said to get back, but “I have to admit, it’s been a struggle.”