After several delays due to a rare neurological disorder, legendary Canadian singer Céline Dion has cancelled the rest of her world tour.
The superstar apologized to her devoted fans Friday, saying it’s not fair to keep postponing shows. Dion said she is not ready to perform for the European and U.K. tour dates that had been set to run from August through October, and in March and April 2024.
“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again,” Dion, 55, said in a statement. “I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 per cent.
“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. I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
The singer began the Courage world tour with 52 dates in North America back in 2019, but her European stops were postponed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They were further delayed when her health issues emerged.
In late 2022, Dion revealed she was recently diagnosed with a neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome. The condition, which is rare, is characterized by sudden and severe muscle spasms.
The Quebec chanteuse has said the spasms affected her daily life, made it difficult to walk and prevented her from using her vocal cords to sing the way she’s used to. At the time, she cancelled and postponed an array of dates to focus on her health.
The statement says Dion’s medical team continues to evaluate and treat her condition.
Anyone who purchased a ticket for the cancelled concert dates can get a refund through the original point of sale. A full list of cancelled concert dates can be found on Dion’s website.
“We do have every hope that someday soon, Céline 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,” the tour update stated.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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