Celine Dion has said “it breaks my heart” after cancelling the remaining concerts of her world tour because of a rare neurological illness.
The Canadian singer, 55, suffers from so-called stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a rare incurable progressive neurological disorder which “causes severe and persistent muscle spasms, and has prevented her from performing,” a statement on her website said.
“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,” the statement said on Friday.
“I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!
“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%.”
She was due to perform in more than 20 cities across Europe, spread across this year and next, during the Courage World Tour, including playing eight shows in the UK and six in Paris.
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Her statement said she was cancelling them “with a sense of tremendous disappointment”.
“Celine is working hard on her recovery, but at this time is unable to successfully prepare for and perform the remainder of the tour,” the statement added.
“We do have every hope that someday soon, Celine will be able to come to all of these cities in Europe to perform for her amazing fans, but that time simply is not now.”
Dion, known for her hit power ballads including Think Twice, Because You Loved Me, My Heart Will Go On, and It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, delayed a Las Vegas residency in 2021 and postponed tour dates in 2022 due to health issues.