Celine Dion announced Thursday morning that she has been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome and will be postponing or canceling her shows.
“I’ve dealt with health issues for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face those challenges and talk about everything I’ve been through,” she said in a tearful video posted to social media .
“I was recently diagnosed with a very rare neurological syndrome that affects about 1 in 1 million people,” she continued, explaining that it was this condition that caused all of her “seizures.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, stiff person syndrome causes stiffness and spasms in the trunk and limbs. Over time, the leg muscles become stiff, followed by other muscles, including the arms and face.
The 54-year-old “Power of Love” singer said the condition made it difficult for her to walk and prevented her from singing the way she was “used to”.
“All I know is singing,” she said. “It’s what I’ve done my whole life and it’s what I love doing the most.”
The “Power of Love” singer said the diagnosis was responsible for all of her muscle spasms. Samir Hussein/Redferns
She closed her video by saying she won’t be ready to resume her tour in Europe in February.
“It’s been a struggle,” she said, adding that she has “hope” for recovery with the help of ongoing treatment.
The “My Heart Will Go On” singer has postponed or canceled her remaining shows. Redferns
The performer’s spring 2023 shows have been pushed back to 2024, and she has canceled eight of her summer 2023 shows.
Dion announced in October 2021 that she had to postpone her stay in Las Vegas due to “severe” muscle cramps. Months later, she canceled her North American tour and postponed her European tour.