"I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!” Celine Dion wrote in a statement announcing the cancellation of her tour.
Celine Dion has stated she will not be performing on the remaining dates of her 2023-24 world tour, cutting a massive tour short due to her ongoing health struggles. In addition, Dion was unable to attend the Love Again film's premiere, and according to sources, it is because of her persistent health issues with stiff person syndrome, per Radar Online. “It’s been a difficult time for her,” an insider said. “She’s having difficulty walking and experiences periods of intense pain that come out of nowhere.”
Priyanka Chopra and Sam Heughan attended the premiere earlier this month, but Celine, who portrays herself in the romantic comedy, was notably absent. Her announcement of her canceling the tour broke fans' hearts, but it has been a very difficult health journey for her.
She issued a formal statement on Instagram on May 26 about the cancellations. “As the world has emerged from the pandemic, Celine has continued to be treated for a diagnosed medical condition that prevents her from performing,” a statement on her website read, per TODAY.
“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again,” the Grammy winner said in a statement. “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!”
Earlier this month, Priyanka Chopra and Sam Heughan walked the red carpet for the film Love Again, but Celine — who plays herself in the rom-com — was noticeably absent. https://t.co/vixtRdR1Br
— Radar Online (@radar_online) May 27, 2023
According to sources, "She's refusing to accept defeat." She is hoping to beat all odds. "She's determined to perform on stage. It's sad that her illness is preventing her from doing the thing she loves most. Knowing Celine, she will perform again very soon," the source continued. “The goal is for her to tour again for sure, but once she is better," a source said to PEOPLE. "Right now she’s focusing on her health," added the source.
The My Heart Will Go On singer, who turned 55 in March, revealed that she has been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in December 2022. “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,” she said. “Unfortunately, these 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.”
References:
https://www.today.com/health/news/celine-dion-cancels-world-tour-health-issues-rcna86390
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYwNomcuyQS/
https://people.com/why-celine-dion-really-canceled-her-tour-exclusive-7505075
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Frazer Harrison
