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Celine Dion has canceled the remaining dates of her world tour, telling fans she is not strong enough to perform after being diagnosed with an incurable neurological condition.
The Canadian singer told fans on Friday (May 26) that she was “terribly disappointed” to have “let them down”.
Dion, 55, said in a statement: “I’m working really hard to get my strength back, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 per cent.
She added: “I’m so sorry to disappoint you all once again. It’s not fair to you to keep postponing shows, and while it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m truly ready to get back on stage.
“I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
Her announcement comes after she posted a video in December last year explaining that she has Stiff Person Syndrome, which she says affects “every aspect of my day-to-day life”.
The condition affects her ability to perform and sing, as well as carry out normal activities, due to “spasms”.
“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulty when walking and preventing me from using my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” she said.
Dion said she has a “great team of doctors” working hard to help her get better, but admitted it has been a “struggle”.
“All I know is singing.” It’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most,” she said.
Celine Dion: ‘These cramps affect every aspect of my daily life’
(Getty)
Dion had 42 more dates to play on her Courage World Tour, but tickets will be refunded through the original point of sale.
Ticket holders are advised to contact their original place of purchase to request a refund.
It was to be Dion’s first global tour without Rene Angelil, her husband and manager who died in 2016.