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Céline Dion Shares Heartbreaking Health Update & Reschedules Tour
The singer has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Stiff-Person Syndrome.
Our hearts are breaking.
On Thursday, December 8, the one and only Céline Dion shared a video on social media detailing the reasons why she has to postpone her upcoming tour from spring 2023 all the way to sometime in 2024. The legendary singer has been diagnosed with an incredibly rare neurological disorder that affects her overall wellbeing and ability to perform.
“Recently I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called Stiff-Person Syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people,” Dion explained in the video. “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having. Unfortunately, the 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 the way I’m used to. It hurts me to tell you today this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”
You can listen to Dion’s full statement in the Instagram video below.
“I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope,” the singer added. “For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate.”
According to Yale Medicine, “Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) is an autoimmune and neurological disorder that can make the muscles in the torso and limbs alternate between rigidity and spasms. The cause of this extremely rare disease is still unknown. But researchers suspect that it may be the result of an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks nerve cells in the central nervous system that control muscle movement.”
Most people start experiencing symptoms from Stiff-Person Syndrome between 30 and 60 years of age – Dion, who’s currently 54 years old, is within those margins. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for SPS. Treatment revolves around relieving symptoms with sedatives, steroids, and immunotherapies, among other procedures.
Céline Dion’s legion of LGBTQ+ fans are absolutely heartbroken, but also sending nothing but love and positivity to the legendary singer.
Céline Dion was diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS).
Céline Dion originally injured her vocal cords in 1989, but recovered from it. With her recent Stiff-Person Syndrome diagnosis, Dion noted that her ability to sing has been compromised.
Bernardo Sim is a writer, editor, and content creator. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida. You can follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim.
Bernardo Sim is a writer, editor, and content creator. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida. You can follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim.
