Celine Dion has canceled her Courage world tour as she continues to struggle with a neurological condition.
The 55-year-old singer had previously postponed her scheduled performances after publicly revealing in December that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.
Celine announced on Instagram on Friday that, to her “huge disappointment,” she was unable to perform on her world tour, adding that she was “working really hard to get her strength back.”
Posting a picture of her canceled tour dates, she said, “It is with great disappointment that we have to announce the cancellation of the Courage World Tour today.”
“I’m so sorry to disappoint you all again.” I’m working really hard to regain my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re at 100%.
It’s happening: Celine Dion has canceled her world tour as she continues to struggle with a neurological condition called stiff-person syndrome
Sad news: The singer announced the cancellation of the tour with “huge disappointment” but added that she is “working really hard to get back on her feet”.
“It’s not fair to you to keep postponing shows and while it breaks my heart, it’s best if we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to get back on stage.”
“I want you all to know that I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
Celine also shared an image of the full list of canceled tour dates, including shows in France, Belgium, Denmark, Poland and the UK, and a statement announcing the news.
The statement continued, “We have high hopes that one day Celine will be able to come to all these cities in Europe to perform for her amazing fans, but the timing is just not right.”
After Celine broke the sad news, she was inundated with messages of support from her fans, urging her to take the time she needed to take care of her health.
One wrote: ‘We love you Celine take care your health is the most important and precious thing.’ We pray for your healing.’
Another added, “We miss you!” We continue to have faith in your recovery,” while a third posted, “You just need to take good care of yourself.” “Your health is the only thing that matters.”
One added: “They never let us down.” You’ve worked for so many years to give us great moments and beautiful songs! It’s only a matter of time before we see you back on stage and we’re waiting for that with all the patience you need to get well… and praying for your recovery!’
Sweet: After Celine broke the sad news, she was inundated with messages of support from her fans, urging her to take the time she needed to take care of her health
Hard times: In December, the Because You Loved Me singer announced that she had been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome
In December, the “Because You Loved Me” singer announced that she had been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome.
The condition, which affects one in a million people and causes their muscles to contract uncontrollably, ultimately leaves sufferers with “human statues” as it gradually stiffens the body into a rigid posture so that the Those affected cannot walk or speak.
While there’s no cure for SPS, there are treatments that slow its progression, and Celine revealed she’s doing everything she can to minimize symptoms.
The Power of Love singer addressed her fans in a tearful Instagram post on December 8, adding that this has forced her to postpone her European tour.
“Hi everyone, I’m sorry it took so long to get back to you guys. “I miss you all so much and can’t wait to get on stage and speak to you in person,” she wrote.
“As you know, I’ve always been an open book and wasn’t ready to say anything before, but now I’m ready.”
“I’ve struggled with health issues for a long time and it’s been really hard for me to face my challenges and talk about everything I’ve been through.”
“I was recently diagnosed with a very rare neurological condition called Stiff Person Syndrome, which affects one in a million people.”
“While we are still learning about this rare condition, we now know that it is at the root of all of my cramps.”
Celine detailed the impact of the disease on her and continued: “Unfortunately, these cramps are affecting every aspect of my daily life. Sometimes it gives me trouble walking and I can’t use my vocal cords to sing like I used to.”
“It hurts me to have to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to continue my European tour in February.”
“I have an amazing team of doctors to help me get well and I have my lovely children to support and help me.”
“I work hard every day with my sports medicine therapist to rebuild my strength and capability, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”
“All I know is singing. It’s what I’ve done my whole life and it’s what I love to do the most.”
‘I miss you so much. I miss seeing you all on stage performing for you.
“I always give 100 percent on my show, but my condition now allows me to give that to you.”
“In order to get back to you, at this moment I have no choice but to focus on my health and I have hope that I am on the road to recovery.”
“That’s my focus and I’m doing everything I can to recover.”
“I want to thank you so much for your wishes, love and support on my social media.” It means a lot to me.
‘Take care of yourselves. Be good. I love you so much and I really hope to see you again soon.’
The mother-of-three first hinted at her health issues in January 2022 when she canceled the North American dates of her Courage world tour.
The announcement came three months after she had to cancel the start of her comeback stint in Las Vegas due to the same health issue.
Celine became known as the “Queen of Las Vegas” due to her highly successful residencies there.
Moving: The mother-of-three first hinted at her health issues in January 2022 when she canceled the North American dates of her Courage world tour
After retiring from her famed residency at Caesars Palace in 2019, she was lured back to Sin City to perform at the new Resorts World on the Strip.
A statement on her website said that Celine was “recently treated for severe and persistent muscle spasms that are preventing her from performing and her recovery is taking longer than hoped.”
“Your medical team is continuing to evaluate and treat the condition.”
Celine added, “I was really hoping that I would be fine now, but I think I just need to be more patient and stick to the regimen that my doctors prescribe.”
“Our shows require a lot of organization and preparation, so we have to make decisions today that will impact plans two months from now.” I’ll be so glad to be back to full health and that we’ve all got through this pandemic, and I can’t wait to get back on stage.”
“Now I’m very touched by all the words of encouragement everyone has sent me on social media. I feel your love and support and it means a lot to me.”
The Incurable Condition That Turns Sufferers Into ‘Human Statues’: What Is Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome is an extremely rare condition in which the muscles in the trunk and limbs alternately spasm and stiff.
It is estimated to affect only about 1 to 2 people in a million – and 330 people are diagnosed in the US each year. About twice as many women as men are affected.
As the disease progresses, patients’ stiffness increases over time and may require them to use a wheelchair.
There are generally three types of the syndrome:
- Classic Person-Man Syndrome: When there is stiffness and cramps in the back and abdomen, and occasionally in the thighs and neck. Over time, a curvature of the back can develop.
- Stiff Limb Syndrome: Cramps primarily affect the legs and feet, occasionally causing them to cramp. Hands can also be affected.
- Jerking stiff person syndrome: The rarest and most aggressive form, it includes symptoms of both others and also affects the head and eyes.
Experts don’t know exactly what’s behind the disease, but believe it’s caused by an autoimmune reaction, in which the body attacks its own nerve cells that control muscle movement.
Around 40 percent of those affected also suffer from type 1 diabetes, another autoimmune disease. Type 1 diabetes is associated in particular with the classic personality syndrome.
It’s also more common in people with breast, lung, kidney, thyroid or colon cancer, and lymphoma, but researchers don’t yet know why.
In stiff-person syndrome, the immune system attacks a protein involved in the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which regulates motor neurons — the nerves that control movement.
Low levels of GABA cause neurons to fire non-stop when they’re not supposed to, leading to spasms and stiffness.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of stiff person syndrome are spasms and stiffness of the trunk and limbs.
Convulsions can be triggered by loud noises, and the condition also leads to increased sensitivity to noise.
Touch and emotional stress can also be felt more strongly by the disease.
The spasms can be severe enough to cause them to fall over or cause difficulty walking and other disabilities.
Stress and anxiety tend to also be higher in sufferers, particularly due to the unpredictability of spasms.
The lack of GABA — which regulates anxiety — in their system also impacts mental health.