Celine Dion diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, cancels shows
Celine Dion announced Thursday morning that she’s been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome and will be postponing or canceling her shows.
“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 a teary video posted to social media.
“Recently I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people,” she continued, explaining that it is this condition that has been causing all of the “spasms” she’s been having.
Stiff person syndrome causes rigidity and spasms in the trunk and limbs, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Over time, leg muscles become stiff followed by other muscles including arms and face.
The “Power of Love” singer, 54, said the condition has made it difficult to walk and has prevented her from singing the way she’s “used to.”
“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.”
She concluded her video by saying she won’t be ready to restart her tour in Europe in February.
“It’s been a struggle,” she said, adding that she has “hope” of recovery with the help of ongoing treatment.
The performer’s spring 2023 shows have been pushed to 2024, and she canceled eight of her summer 2023 shows.
Dion announced in October 2021 that she had to postpone her Las Vegas residency because of “severe” muscle spasms. Months later, she canceled her North American tour and postponed her European tour.