Celine Dion Opens Up About Rare Incurable Health Diagnosis
The medical battle has forced her to postpone several upcoming shows.
Céline Dion is speaking out about her ongoing health struggles.
In an emotional video uploaded to Instagram on Thursday morning, the singer revealed her recent diagnosis with a neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome—a rare and incurable disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms, among other things, eventually turning sufferers into "human statues."
The Canadian songstress addressed the illness in the social media clip, saying her condition would sadly force the postponement and cancellation of a series of upcoming concert dates.
"I've been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it's been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I've been going through," Dion wrote in the caption. "It hurts me to tell you that I won't be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February."
She continued: "Recently, I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological condition called Stiff Person Syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people," she said in her video. "While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what has been causing all of the spasms that I've been having."
The illness affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. "Patients can be disabled, wheelchair bound or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves," per the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation. The informational website also noted that the neurological disease with autoimmune features can include symptoms like "hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety," and muscle spasms "so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones."
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Dion divulged some of her own experiences with the medical disorder. "Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life," she stated. "Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to."
The 54-year-old noted that her three sons are supporting and giving her "hope," as well as a "great team of doctors" she's working alongside to get better.
Though she admits it has been a struggle, the five-time Grammy winner said that she's not giving up on being able to perform again. "All I know is singing," she said. "It's what I've done all my life. And it's what I love to do the most."
More than anything, she wants her fans to know how much she appreciates them, conveying her love through teary eyes. "I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you. Being on the stage. Performing for you. I always give 100 percent when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now," she said.
"For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment," she confessed of the unfortunate situation. "And I have hope that I'm on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I'm doing everything I can to recuperate. I want to thank you so much for your encouraging wishes of love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me."
"Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon," she concluded, overwhelmed with emotion. "Thank you."
As a result of the condition, Dion's Spring 2023 shows have been rescheduled to 2024, while eight of her summer 2023 shows—previously scheduled from May 31 to July 17, 2023—have been cancelled altogether.
Information about her rescheduled European tour dates can be found on her official website.
