(CNN) — Canadian singer Celine Dion has announced she is postponing several dates on her European tour after being recently diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that doesn’t allow her to “sing like I’m used to,” she announced Thursday.
The superstar has Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), which affects “something like one in a million people,” Dion said in an emotional video shared on her verified social media accounts.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having,” he 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 in the way I’m used to.”
SPS is “a rare and progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “It can include extreme muscle stiffness, stiffness, and painful spasms in the trunk and extremities, severely impairing mobility,” the institute says. “The spasms can generate enough force to fracture a bone.”
Specific treatments “will improve the symptoms of SPS, but will not cure the disorder,” the Institute adds.
File photo. Canadian singer Celine Dion performs at the opening night of her new “Courage” world tour at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada, on September 18, 2019. (Credit: ALICE CHICHE/AFP via Getty ) Images)
Dion has had health problems for a while, he said, adding that he has a great team of medical professionals and the support of his children.
“I am working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to get my strength back and my ability to perform again,” he said. “But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle.”
The Grammy winner said that singing is all she knows and loves.
“I miss them a lot,” he said. “I miss seeing all of you, being on stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition doesn’t allow me to give them that right now.”
Dion is “hopeful that I am on the road to recovery,” he said. “This is my approach.”
The singer thanked her followers for their “encouraging wishes of love and support on social media.”
“This means a lot to me,” Dion concluded her message through tears. “Take care. Be well. I love you very much, and I really hope to see you again very soon.”
Dion’s spring 2023 shows will be rescheduled for 2024, and eight summer 2023 shows will be cancelled, the publication says.
(CNN) — Canadian singer Celine Dion has announced she is postponing several dates on her European tour after being recently diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that doesn’t allow her to “sing like I’m used to,” she announced Thursday.
The superstar has Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), which affects “something like one in a million people,” Dion said in an emotional video shared on her verified social media accounts.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having,” he 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 in the way I’m used to.”
SPS is “a rare and progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “It can include extreme muscle stiffness, stiffness, and painful spasms in the trunk and extremities, severely impairing mobility,” the institute says. “The spasms can generate enough force to fracture a bone.”
Specific treatments “will improve the symptoms of SPS, but will not cure the disorder,” the Institute adds.
File photo. Canadian singer Celine Dion performs at the opening night of her new “Courage” world tour at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada, on September 18, 2019. (Credit: ALICE CHICHE/AFP via Getty ) Images)
Dion has had health problems for a while, he said, adding that he has a great team of medical professionals and the support of his children.
“I am working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to get my strength back and my ability to perform again,” he said. “But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle.”
The Grammy winner said that singing is all she knows and loves.
“I miss them a lot,” he said. “I miss seeing all of you, being on stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition doesn’t allow me to give them that right now.”
Dion is “hopeful that I am on the road to recovery,” he said. “This is my approach.”
The singer thanked her followers for their “encouraging wishes of love and support on social media.”
“This means a lot to me,” Dion concluded her message through tears. “Take care. Be well. I love you very much, and I really hope to see you again very soon.”
Dion’s spring 2023 shows will be rescheduled for 2024, and eight summer 2023 shows will be cancelled, the publication says.
