Celine Dion suffering from rare neurological disorder, won't resume world tour
Legendary Canadian singer Celine Dion says she suffering from Moersch-Woltman syndrome, a rare neurological disease causing muscle spasms.
As a result, The Quebec-born vocalist will not resume her world tour in Europe next February.
Dion, 54, made the announcement in an emotional video posted to Instagram Thursday morning.
"I've been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through," she said, holding back tears.
- READ MORE: What is stiff person syndrome? The rare neurological disorder affecting Celine Dion explained
The pop icon's spring 2023 shows have been postponed to 2024 and her summer 2023 shows have been cancelled.
Dion had previously cancelled some North American shows, citing health issues.
Dion said Moersch-Woltman syndrome, also called stiff-person syndrome, has affected "every aspect of her daily life," including causing difficulty walking.
The disease also affects her singing.
"[It doesn't allow] me to use my vocal chords and sing the way I'm used to," she explained.
LISTEN ON CJAD 800 RADIO: Dr. Mitch Shulman discusses the symptoms of stiff-person syndrome
The singer plans to return to the stage when her health permits. She reportedly sees an occupational therapist daily, and has the support of a team of doctors, as well as her children.
"I miss you all so much," said the woman behind such hits as All by Myself and It's All Coming Back to Me Now.
"I can't wait to be onstage talking to you in person."
FANS SEND WELL WISHES
Celine Dion's announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans, including the Quebec premier.
"We're very sad about Celine Dion. Of course we hope that she gets well as soon as possible," Francois Legault said in a Quebec City press scrum Thursday morning.
"We're so proud of her," he added, noting that Dion is from Charlemagne, Que., a town in his riding of l'Assomption.
Fans took to social media Thursday to voice their support for the beloved singer.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates Provinces look to Saskatchewan on how to collect millions more for victims of crime
A W5 investigation showed how convicted criminals ordered to pay restitution struggled to do so, and how just $7 million of more than $250 million had been claimed. While many provinces struggle to keep track, Saskatchewan is leading the way in making sure victims get their money.
'Tragic and sudden loss': Toronto police ID officer who died after suspected medical episode while on duty
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
Who received the longest jail terms in the Gisele Pelicot rape trial?
A French court found all 51 defendants guilty on Thursday in a mass rape case including Dominique Pelicot, who repeatedly drugged his then wife, Gisele, and allowed dozens of strangers into the family home to rape her.
PM Justin Trudeau planning sizable Friday cabinet shuffle, sources say
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday, sources confirm to CTV News. The long-awaited reconfiguration of Trudeau's front bench comes amid turmoil for the Liberal government after the shocking resignation of Chrystia Freeland.
Child struck by vehicle south of London has died
According to an online fundraiser organized by a family friend, the boy who was hit by a driver south of London earlier this week has died.
Manitoba man wins $40M Lotto Max jackpot
A Manitoba man has won one of the top five largest lottery jackpots in Manitoba history.
64 cases of 'norovirus-like' illness linked to raw oysters in B.C., officials say
Dozens of people have become ill after eating raw oysters in B.C. since Nov. 1, public health officials warned Thursday.
Conan O'Brien pays tribute to his parents who died within days of each other
Conan O’Brien is remembering his recently deceased parents. In an interview with the Boston Globe, the former late night television host talked about his mother, Ruth Reardon O’Brien, who died last Thursday, and Dr. Thomas F. O’Brien, who preceded his wife in death three days earlier.
N.B. Liberal government revises Policy 713, parental consent no longer required for students' preferred names
The New Brunswick Liberals are reversing course on the previous government’s decision to change Policy 713.
Toronto
-
'Tragic and sudden loss': Toronto police ID officer who died after suspected medical episode while on duty
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
-
'Boondoggle' station? Councillor moves to rename SmartTrack stations amid more changes to project
Torontonians who use public transit often commiserate over their public transit woes – and it appears those sentiments even extend itself into city council meetings.
-
Toronto under winter weather travel advisory, snow could affect Friday morning commute
A winter weather travel advisory is in effect for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), warning of heavy snow that could affect Friday morning’s commute.
Ottawa
-
OPP charge three former hospital employees with patient privacy breach after unrelated incidents
Three former hospital employees have been charged following investigations into unrelated alleged breach of patient privacy incidents that took place over the course of last year in different parts of the province, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
-
What to know about getting packages shipped in time for Christmas
Canada Post is ramping up its operations following a month-long strike but there's no guarantee mail or packages will be delivered by Christmas because of the backlog.
-
Close to 30 per cent of OCDSB schools below ‘state of good repair,' according to financial watchdog
Close to 30 per cent of Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) schools are below a “state of good repair,” according to a new financial report.
Atlantic
-
Snowfall warnings issued ahead of Friday night nor'easter in Maritimes
A developing storm moving northward just off the U.S. eastern seaboard looks likely to bring a heavy early winter snowfall to much of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the southeastern corner of New Brunswick.
-
N.B. Liberal government revises Policy 713, parental consent no longer required for students' preferred names
The New Brunswick Liberals are reversing course on the previous government’s decision to change Policy 713.
-
Police investigate robberies in Halifax and Dartmouth, N.S.
Halifax Regional Police (HRP) are investigating a robbery at a gas station Wednesday night.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland man facing more charges related to youth sex crimes
A 64-year-old Newfoundland man charged with dozens of sex crimes involving young people is facing several new charges.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
Northern Ontario
-
Most properties in massive northern Ont. real estate insolvency sold
The 323 most profitable of 407 properties in northern Ontario owned by insolvent real estate companies have been sold.
-
Overflowing septic tanks lead to $46K in fines for trailer park owner in Chapleau, Ont.
Issues including failing and overflowing septic tanks led to fines and surcharges totalling more than $57,00 for the owner of a mobile home park in Chapleau.
-
North Bay woman accused of throwing coffee, spitting on victim
A woman who had been banned from a North Bay business is charged with assault with a weapon after allegedly returning and causing a scene.
London
-
33 teaching positions to be eliminated by the Thames Valley District School Board
"It's precarious work.” Occasional teachers likely to be affected most by staffing cuts.
-
Community in mourning after boy struck by vehicle while getting off school bus dies
The Lambeth and area community is in mourning after learning a young boy passed away after being struck by a vehicle while getting off his school bus Monday afternoon.
-
Farmers use insurance company lands to raise funds for food banks
In the spring of this year, a group of farmers, who also sit on Axiom Mutual Insurance’s Board of Directors, planted 40 acres of beans outside Axiom’s headquarters near Zurich.
Kitchener
-
Ontario appoints reviewer for Catholic school board after pricey Italy art trip
Ontario has appointed a reviewer to look into expenses at the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board after four trustees spent $45,000 on a trip to Italy to buy $100,000 worth of art.
-
Inquest rules Fergus man's death a homicide after he was shot by police
A jury has ruled that a Fergus man's death in 2021 was a homicide.
-
Police believe jewelry store robberies in Waterloo Region are connected
Police have made an arrest in a jewelry store robbery at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, Ont.
Windsor
-
Recognize them? Vehicle theft suspects sought in west Windsor
Windsor police are looking for two suspects after a vehicle was reported stolen outside an apartment building in the west end.
-
Waste management program featuring locked bins launching in downtown Windsor
A new waste management program is launching in downtown Windsor as part of the Strengthen the Core initiative.
-
Safe Internet Exchange Zone coming to Amherstburg
The Town of Amherstburg and Windsor police are providing a Safe Internet Exchange Zone.
Barrie
-
Man accused of human trafficking released from custody following new charges
Lauriston Maloney was released from custody on a $5,000 pledge following a special bail hearing in Barrie on Thursday.
-
Barrie man dies days after charges against him are withdrawn in fatal stabbing case
A Barrie man who spent nearly two years in custody accused of murder has died less than a week after the charges against him were withdrawn.
-
'Wow, wow, wow,' Barrie couple turns $1 Encore purchase into $100,000 lottery win
A Barrie couple is celebrating their first big lottery win after playing together for a decade.
Vancouver
-
Homicide team takes over case of missing woman in Langley, B.C.
What began as a Metro Vancouver missing person case has turned into a homicide investigation.
-
Vancouver Police Union slams deputy chief's 'overly charged' comments on sexual assault case
The president of the Vancouver Police Union is taking aim at one of the department's highest-ranking officers, criticizing the "tone and language" she used when informing the public that two members of another force had been arrested for sexual assault.
-
64 cases of 'norovirus-like' illness linked to raw oysters in B.C., officials say
Dozens of people have become ill after eating raw oysters in B.C. since Nov. 1, public health officials warned Thursday.
Vancouver Island
-
Vancouver Police Union slams deputy chief's 'overly charged' comments on sexual assault case
The president of the Vancouver Police Union is taking aim at one of the department's highest-ranking officers, criticizing the "tone and language" she used when informing the public that two members of another force had been arrested for sexual assault.
-
Homicide team takes over case of missing woman in Langley, B.C.
What began as a Metro Vancouver missing person case has turned into a homicide investigation.
-
B.C. court dismisses appeal of 'prolific and sophisticated' shoplifter
British Columbia's highest court has rejected an attempt by a "prolific and sophisticated offender" to overturn his jail sentence for a $40,000 shoplifting scheme.
Winnipeg
-
Former Winnipeg teacher faces new charges involving underage girls
A former Winnipeg teacher who had been previously charged with voyeurism, sexual assault, and accessing child pornography is facing more charges related to a number of incidents throughout 2024.
-
Manitoba man wins $40M Lotto Max jackpot
A Manitoba man has won one of the top five largest lottery jackpots in Manitoba history.
-
Ontario community seeking judicial review over Pride Month ruling
An Ontario community fined $15,000 for not celebrating Pride Month is asking a judge to review the decision.
Calgary
-
Alberta says chief actuary's pension plan report offers no estimate of its share
The Alberta government says it has heard back from Canada’s chief actuary on its bid to leave the Canada Pension Plan, but there's no estimate on how much the province should get.
-
Measles exposure possible in Calgary after lab-confirmed case: AHS
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a warning about multiple possible measles exposures around Calgary after a person with a confirmed case was out in public while infectious.
-
Green Line report says elevated track through downtown Calgary needs study
A report on the Alberta government's proposed alignment for Calgary's Green Line light-rail transit project says noise, ease of construction and impact to existing properties need to be studied further if the city moves forward.
Edmonton
-
Inmate dead after 'incident' at the Edmonton Remand Centre: officials
An inmate has died after what the province describes as an "incident" at the Edmonton Remand Centre on Wednesday.
-
Dozens of dogs surrendered to SPCA by Brazeau County man
Seventy-two dogs were recently surrendered to Alberta SPCA by a Brazeau County property owner.
-
Video released of 2 unsolved shootings in Beverly
Edmonton police have released footage from two shootings from earlier this year that they believe are connected
Regina
-
Appeal dismissed in Sask. 'thumbs up' emoji case
An appeal to a legal case that made international headlines has been dismissed by Saskatchewan's highest court.
-
Manslaughter charge laid in death on Little Black Bear First Nation
A 20-year-old woman is facing a manslaughter charge in relation to a suspicious death on Little Black Bear First Nation.
-
Train derailment in west Regina leads to road closures
Police responded to the scene of a minor train derailment in west Regina Thursday afternoon.
Saskatoon
-
How do THC gummies impact driving? Sask. researchers use simulator to find out
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are conducting a study to learn how THC edibles impact driving performance.
-
Sask. man tries to 'opt out' of fentanyl trafficking trial as 'sovereign individual'
A Saskatchewan man has tried to convince a King’s Bench judge of his right to opt out of legal proceedings as a “natural, freeborn, sovereign individual.”
-
Appeal dismissed in Sask. 'thumbs up' emoji case
An appeal to a legal case that made international headlines has been dismissed by Saskatchewan's highest court.
