On December 8, 2022, superstar singer Celine Dion revealed she was recently diagnosed with a remarkably rare neurological disorder known as Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
She opened up about this condition, which affects approximately one in a million people and manifests as progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms triggered by sudden movements, cold temperatures, or unexpected loud noises, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Addressing the challenges she faces, Celine shared, “The spasms profoundly affect my daily life, hindering my ability to walk and restricting the use of my vocal cords for singing as I’m accustomed to. I must admit it has been a struggle. Singing is all I’ve known, it’s been my lifelong passion.”
She also expressed her gratitude for the dedicated team of doctors supporting her on this journey toward recovery. Collaborating with her sports medicine therapist, Celine diligently works every day to regain her strength and restore her ability to perform.
While this isn’t the first time that SPS has forced her to cancel performances, it is the first time she has shared her diagnosis publicly. Earlier in 2022, Celine had to cancel North American tour dates, followed by the postponement of her anticipated Las Vegas comeback.
During this announcement, she rescheduled all her Spring 2023 Courage World Tour dates to 2024 and cancelled eight of her summer 2023 shows.
Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for SPS.
See her Dec. 2022 announcement below.
View this post on Instagram
In a new update – on Friday (May 26), Dion revealed that she still isn’t ready to get back on stage, and cancelled a total of 42 shows, which accounts for all of 2023 and 2024.
“It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour,” she wrote on Instagram. “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!”
Fans can get refunds for their tickets from their point of purchase. The press release Dion shared on social media noted that the singer performed 52 dates of her Courage World Tour before the pandemic shut down all live performances. She was planning on resuming the tour earlier this year, but between 2020 and now, her health had declined.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Celine as she courageously faces this challenge, and we remain hopeful for her healing and triumphant return to the stage.