Celine Dion
Celine Dion, the famous pop icon, has announced the cancellation of all her scheduled shows for the year 2023-24. She revealed that her health condition, known as Stiff-Person Syndrome, has made it impossible for her to continue touring.
Last year, in December 2022, the 55-year-old Canadian singer shared a video on Instagram where she tearfully disclosed her diagnosis of Stiff-Person Syndrome. This rare neurological disorder has been affecting her ability to sing and perform.
“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again… and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything until I’m really ready to be back on stage,” Dion tweeted. She expressed her determination, saying, “I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
In an official statement from her tour, it was announced, “With a sense of tremendous disappointment, Celine Dion’s Courage World Tour today announced the cancellation of all remaining dates currently on sale for 2023 and 2024.”
Celine Dion is widely known for her powerful voice and has given the world hits like “Because You Loved Me,” “My Heart Will Go On,” and “Think Twice.”
Stiff-Person Syndrome has caused her muscle spasms, particularly in the torso, arms, and legs. Emotional distress or loud noises can trigger these spasms, making it challenging for her to use her vocal cords as she used to.
These cancellations will impact her 16-country European tour, which was originally scheduled to kick off in Amsterdam in August and conclude with two shows at the O2 arena in London in April next year.
Her “Courage World Tour” began in 2019, during which Dion successfully completed 52 shows before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause. Later, due to her health issues, she had to cancel the North American segment of the tour.
Fans from around the world expressed their disappointment but also extended their best wishes to the singer. One fan information account, @LesRedHeads, wrote, “Not surprising, but no less sad. Courage to you Celine, we are with you.” Another fan, @notaerz, said, “You don’t have to apologize queen! Take care of yourself. Your health should take number one priority.”
Celine Dion’s journey to stardom began in Quebec, Canada, where she was born as the youngest of 14 children. At the age of 12, her mother sent a recording of her singing to René Angélil, who went to great lengths, including mortgaging his own home, to finance her first album. Initially singing in French, she later transitioned to singing in English after taking English lessons in the 1980s.
Her global fame skyrocketed in 1997 with the release of “My Heart Will Go On,” the iconic theme song from James Cameron’s blockbuster film, Titanic. Dion’s success extended to a long-running residency at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, where she performed for audiences night after night for an impressive 16 years, with only occasional breaks.
