Celine Dion has revealed she’s been diagnosed with a rare neurological condition known as stiff-person syndrome.
The chart-topping singer made the announcement on Thursday, in an emotional video posted on Instagram.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having,” the 54-year-old performer said. “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.”
“Stiff-person syndrome is an autoimmune disorder of the nervous system, often resulting in progressive, severe muscle stiffness and spasms of the lower extremities and back. It also can affect other body regions,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
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The condition is incurable. Medical experts say it affects about one or two people in a million, and most of the sufferers are women.
“This means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February,” Dion said.
“I have 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,” the mother-of-three added. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again. But I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”
Dion’s spring 2023 shows will be rescheduled for 2024, and eight summer 2023 shows will be canceled, the caption in the post said.
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“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time,” she said. “And it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges.”
Known for her powerful vocals, the French-Canadian singer is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, and has sold more than 200 million records worldwide.
Among her international number-one hits are “The Power of Love,” “Because You Loved Me,” “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” and “My Heart Will Go On” from the blockbuster film Titanic.
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