Singer Celine Dion is postponing several European tour dates following her recent diagnosis of a rare neurological disorder that prevents her from “singing the way I’m used to,” she announced.
The superstar has rigid person syndrome, which affects “something like one in a million people,” Dion said in an emotional video Thursday posted to her verified Instagram account.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what’s causing all the spasms I’ve been having,” she said. “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties with walking and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing as I am used to.”
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, stiff person syndrome is a rare, progressive disorder that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.
“Symptoms can include extreme muscle stiffness and painful stiffness and spasms in the trunk and limbs, severely impairing mobility,” says the institute. “The spasms can generate enough force to fracture the bone. ”Specific treatments “will improve the symptoms but will not cure the disorder”.
Dion has struggled with her health for a while, she said, adding that she has a great team of medical professionals and the support of her children.
“I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to get my strength back and my ability to perform again,” she said. “But I have to admit it has been a struggle.”
The Grammy winner said that singing is all she knows – and what she loves.
“I miss you so much,” she said. “I miss seeing you all, being on stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition doesn’t allow me to give that now.”
Dion is “hopeful that I’m on the road to recovery,” she said. “That is my focus.”
She thanked her followers for their “encouraging wishes of love and support on social media”.
“This means a lot to me,” Dion concluded her tearful message. “Take care. Be alright. I love you so much and I really hope I can see you again soon.”
Dion’s spring 2023 shows will be rescheduled for 2024 and eight summer 2023 shows will be cancelled, the post said.
Source: CNN Brasil

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