MUSIC
The reason why Céline Dion really canceled her upcoming shows
The ‘All by Myself’ singer took to social media to explain her decision to cancel her 2024 tour.
Unfortunately for Céline Dion fans, the music icon won’t be going on tour anytime soon.
On May 25 the 55-year-old singer announced that she would be canceling her upcoming tour dates which were set to take place through April 2024.
The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ singer took to social media to explain her decision to her 5.9 million fans and followers.
“It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour,” the post read. “I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%.”
“It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again. I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again! – Celine xx,”
Due to the cancellation Dion also explained that tickets purchased for the forty-two canceled dates will be refunded to fans via the original point of sale.
Dion will tour once fully healed
According to PEOPLE, a source close to Dion explained that although the decision pained her, the move was in the best interest of her supporters.
“The goal is for her to tour again for sure, but once she is better,” the source says. “Right now she’s focusing on her health. She couldn’t keep postponing shows — it wasn’t fair to the fans.”
The explanation comes months after it was revealed that Céline had to continue to be treated for a diagnosed medical condition that prevents her from performing.
“Céline is working hard on her recovery,” a statement on Dion’s social media channels read. “We do have every hope that someday soon, Céline 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.”
What is stiff person syndrome?
Dion suffers from stiff-person syndrome (SPS) which is a rare, progressive neurological disorder.
Symptoms can include things such as: Stiff muscles in the trunk (torso), arms, and legs, and greater sensitivity to noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms
The Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation explained that Dion’s condition affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord, and can leave patients “disabled, wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves.”
Dion also revealed that this has caused her to have “difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”