WATCH: Celine Dion tearfully reveals battle with incurable neurological disease
Heather Hamilton
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Singer Celine Dion tearfully revealed she has been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, an incurable neurological disease limiting her ability to perform.
The five-time Grammy winner has faced health struggles causing her to postpone tour dates multiple times. On Thursday, she took to Instagram to explain she will have to reschedule her spring 2023 tour to 2024.
“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 said, explaining the impact of stiff person syndrome. “While we are still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having.”
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Stiff person syndrome is a disease that attacks the nervous system causing “extreme muscle stiffness, rigidity, and painful spasms in the trunk and limbs, severely impairing mobility,” according to the National Institutes of Health.
Dion said she experiences spasms affecting her daily life, including walking and the use of vocal cords.
“It hurts me to tell you today,” Dion said, “this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”
The “Power of Love” singer commended her healthcare team and children, who give her hope as she regains strength.
“All I know is singing,” Dion said, fighting back her tears. “It’s what I’ve done all my life, and it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you so much.”
She expressed gratitude to her fans for their support.
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Dion last performed in 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.