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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.