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
Video shows suspect setting Toronto-area barbershop on fire
Video of a suspect lighting a Richmond Hill barbershop on fire earlier this week has been released by police.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I have the will to live': N.B. woman needs double lung transplant
A New Brunswick woman suffering from sarcoidosis, a disease that limits your lung capacity, is in need of a double lung transplant.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.