Celine Dion, 55, Diagnosed With Rare, Incurable Disease: ‘It’s Been a Struggle’
Celine Dion gave a long-awaited health update on Instagram.
In the emotional video, she revealed she has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder: Stiff Person Syndrome.
The disorder is responsible for the muscle spasms she has cited as the cause of her previous tour postponements. In her announcement, the singer postponed the Courage tour for the third time.
Celine Dion fans have waited over a year now for the “My Heart Will Go On” singer to continue her Courage tour, which she has postponed three times over health concerns. Past statements said the star was dealing with unexplained muscle spasms, and in a new emotional video, Dion gave her latest health update, revealing that those symptoms have led to a diagnosis: she has a rare neurological disorder called Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS).
The 55-year-old sat down in front of the camera for Instagram, making a rare social media appearance for the heartbreaking announcement. “Hello everyone. I’m sorry it’s taking me so long to reach out to you,” she began. “As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before. But I’m ready now.”
She continued: “Recently I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called Stiff-Person Syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people. 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.”
Dion added that she’s tirelessly working with doctors and sports medicine professionals to regain enough strength to perform, but until then, she has to postpone the Courage tour once again, canceling summer 2023 shows and moving spring 2023 shows to 2024.
“I have to admit it’s been a struggle,” Dion continued, tearing up. “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.”
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, SPS has features of an autoimmune disease and is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs, as well as a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can trigger muscle spasms. It’s often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or fibromyalgia. Researchers are still trying to understand the disorder, and currently there is no cure.
At the end of the video, Dion thanked fans for their patience, love, and support. “I love you guys so much,” she said. “I really hope I can see you again real soon.”
Fans and followers were devastated by the news, offering their love and support. “So much love to you! Take the time you need. ??????,” one person commented. “You are so brave! We love you, thank you for opening up to us,” another added. “I send you my love and respect to endure this tragedy, you are strong, indestructible YOU CAN DO IT ????,” someone else wrote.
So, although it will be a while before fans can expect to see Dion on stage, there is a silver lining. In November, she announced that she’s making her film acting debut in Love Again, a romantic comedy set to release in theaters May 12.
In the meantime, we extend all of our well wishes to the star!
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