Advertisement

Celine Dion cancels world tour as rare illness takes hold

Pop singer Celine Dion has apologised to fans while announcing the cancellation of her Courage World Tour due to a rare medical condition.

The 55-year-old suffers a neurological disorder called ‘stiff-person syndrome’ which was diagnosed four months ago.

The Canadian superstar said the illness was making it very difficult for her to perform.

“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again,” the singer — best known for the Titanic movie theme song My Heart Will Go On — wrote on Instagram on Friday morning.

“I’m working really hard to build back my strength but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 per cent.”

“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!”

However CNN reports a source close to Dion saying the singer “will likely never tour again”.

“She is in a lot of pain,” the individual said. “She does daily physical therapy.”

The tour’s European stretch consisted of 42 shows in seven cities from late August to early October and another 17 cities during the northern spring of 2024.

Dion said ticket holders would receive refunds.

Stiff-person syndrome causes muscle rigidity and increased sensitivity to sound, touch and emotional stimuli that can trigger spasms.

The condition led the multiple Grammy winner to postpone her Las Vegas residency in October 2021.

The tour — her first in the United States in 10 years — kicked off in Quebec City in September 2019.

It was accompanied by the release of her latest album Courage.

The singer said the album’s title was inspired by the 2016 death from throat cancer of her husband and manager Rene Angelil.

The couple had three children.

Advertisement
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter.
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.