In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Celine shared the difficult news with her fans and expressed her gratitude for their unwavering support and understanding.
The body experiences a stiffness syndrome that results in uncontrolled convulsions. There is no cure for the disorder, but there are things that can be done to slow its progression.
Celine Dion’s condition has been identified as Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), which causes her muscles to compulsively stiffen.
Patients eventually become “human statues” as the disease gradually locks the body into inflexible positions, rendering them unable to walk or speak.
While there is no known cure to stop SPS from growing, Celine says she does everything she can to ease the symptoms.
The 54-year-old singer apologized to her followers in an emotional Instagram message on Thursday, saying she had to postpone her European tour because of it.
“Hi everyone, sorry it took me so long to get back to you,” she wrote. I miss you so much and I look forward to meeting you all in person on stage. As you know, I’ve always been honest, and even though I wasn’t ready to talk yet, I am now.
“I have had health problems for a very long time and it has been incredibly difficult for me to face my difficulties and talk about what I have been through.
I just found out I have Stiff Person Syndrome, a very rare neurological condition that affects 1 in a million people.
Although there is still much to learn about this unusual disease, it is now known to be the source of the seizures I have been experiencing.
Celine went on to explain how the disease has affected her: “Unfortunately these spasms affect every area of my daily life, sometimes making it difficult for me to walk and preventing me from using my vocal cords to sing the way I used to.
“I hate to break it to you now, but this means I won’t be ready to resume my European tour in February.
“I have a fantastic medical team working with me to help me get better and my invaluable children help and support me.
“I have to say it’s been a challenge, but I’m working hard every day with my sports medicine therapist to regain my strength and ability to perform. I’ve spent my whole life singing and that’s what I enjoy.” most.
“I really miss you. I miss seeing you all perform for you on stage. I always give my best when I perform, but due to my health, I can offer it to you right now.”
“I have no choice but to focus on my health now and hopefully I’m on the road to recovery if I want to contact you again. That’s what I’m focusing on and I’m doing my best to rest.” I want to thank you for your kind words, support, and well wishes on my social media. I appreciate it very much.
“Take care of yourselves. Good luck. I adore you all so much and I honestly want to see you soon.”
When she postponed the North American dates of her Courage world tour from March 9 to April 22, Celine gave the first indication that she was suffering from health problems.
Three months earlier, she had to postpone the start of her return to Las Vegas due to the same health problem.
Celine’s wildly popular residency in Las Vegas earned her the title “Queen of Las Vegas.”
She was convinced to return to Sin City in 2019 after ending her famous engagement at Caesars Palace to perform at the brand-new Resorts World on the Strip.
Celine’s website said in a statement that she had just undergone treatment for severe and chronic muscle spasms that had prevented her from performing and that her recovery was taking longer than she had anticipated.
Her medical staff is still diagnosing and treating the problem.
“I really thought I would be fine by now,” Celine said, “but I guess I just have to be more patient and follow the regimen the doctors recommend.
“Our concerts require a lot of planning and preparation, so we have to make decisions now that will affect our plans in two months’ time. I can’t wait to get back on stage again and I’m so happy that I’m back to full health.” along with everyone else.
“Meanwhile, I’m really touched by all the messages of support people have been leaving me on social media. Your love and support mean the world to me and I feel it.”
In 2019, Celine’s fans expressed concern over her alleged “too skinny” appearance.
Is there something wrong with my body? the Canadian singer-songwriter noted to Entertainment Tonight, adding that she’s “always been very thin.”
“If you look back when I was twelve, I had a rounder face because you have more fat and you’re younger,” she explained. I’ve always been pretty slim though.
The SPS diagnosis is Celine’s latest grief after her husband Rene Angelil died in 2016 at the age of 73.
Rene-Charles, 21, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 12, are the three sons Celine had with her late husband.
When she first met Ren, he was already 38 years old and she was a 12-year-old singer. He took over as her boss.
He reportedly mortgaged his house out of a commitment to support her career to pay for her first album, 1981’s La Voix du bien Dieu.
In 1987, when Celine was just 19 and Rene 45, they started dating formally. In 1991, they got engaged.
She did not go public with their relationship until 1993 when she included the news in the liner notes of her album The Color Of My Love.
In December 1994, they were married at Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica, and Rene’s funeral and baptism were also held there.
In January 2016, Rene, who was 73 and had terminal throat cancer, died after suffering a heart attack. Celine lost her brother Daniel to throat cancer two days later.
In August of the same year, she released a Celine tribute album Encore un soir in French, along with a single of the same name, which became popular in French-speaking countries.
In the face of her own struggles, Celine’s vulnerability and honesty create a sense of unity among her fans, fostering a community of empathy and support. Together, they stand with her, patiently awaiting her triumphant return to the stage, where her voice and presence have the power to captivate and inspire millions.
Celine Dion’s journey with Stiff Man Syndrome is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, resilience, determination, and the support of loved ones can help us overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Dear Celine,
I have loved your music for a long time. In my car I have listened to many of your cds. I was extremely sad to hear of your illness and every time I think about you I pray that God will heal you. Sometimes healing comes only through prayer. When you believe God will hear your prayers and will answer you.
Tonight on CBN there is going to be an opportunity to pray for healing of body, soul and spirit. If I get a chance to get through on the phone I will ask for prayer for you. The whole country could be praying for you because the Bible says where two or more are gathered in my name than I am in the midst of them. I will hear from heaven and will heal you.
If I do not get through then I will continue to pray for you. You are asking for prayer and only God through Jesus will hear the prayers of his people and that is not just me but millions of people that believe in him.
In closing I would like to say may God bless you shine his light upon you and give you peace. Yours truly, Nancy