Celine Dion diagnosed with ‘very rare’ incurable stiff-person syndrome and reschedules Manchester gigs again
Celine Dion has been forced to cancel and postpone another batch of tour dates after being diagnosed with an incurable neurological disease.
The Canadian superstar updated fans on her health with a video message posted on her social media platforms today.
She has already had to move her two concerts at Manchester’s AO Arena several times, once for Covid restrictions and again for her health.
She last moved the dates because she was ‘experiencing spasms’ and had planned to be back on stage on 5 and 6 April.
But in her video message, a visibly emotional Celine told fans she was too ill to perform for the time being.
Her Manchester shows have now been moved to 9 and 10 April, 2024.
She revealed that she’s been diagnosed with the ‘very rare’ stiff person syndrome, which she says only affects one in a million people.
The condition has caused her to experience spasms, which have affected everything from her ability to walk to her vocal chords.
She said: “As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now.
“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.
“Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which effects something like one in a million people.
“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.
“Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to.”
Celine continued: “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,” she said. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.
“All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you so much, I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
The star added: “This is my focus and I’m doing everything that 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.”
Featured image: Instagram, @celinedion