Celine Dion revealed her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome last year (Picture: Getty)
Celine Dion is hopeful that she will be able to tour again after being forced to cancel her upcoming performances.
Last week, the My Heart Will Go On singer – who was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome – confirmed that she would not be able to complete her Courage World Tour as planned.
The 55-year-old said that she was ‘working really hard’ to build back her strength after her health issues took a toll.
An insider has now revealed that the musician is taking time to focus on her health, but hopes to get back on the road when she’s ready.
‘The goal is for her to tour again for sure, but once she is better,’ they told People Magazine. ‘Right now she’s focusing on her health.
‘She couldn’t keep postponing shows – it wasn’t fair to the fans.’
Celine stepped out of the public eye to recuperate (Picture: AFP)
Celine spoke out over her health for the first time last December, explaining that she had been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune movement disorder that affects the central nervous system.
There is currently no known cure for the condition, which is said to turn people into ‘human statues’ as the body becomes more rigid.
‘Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome which affects something like one in a million people,’ she said at the time. ‘While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having.
‘Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to.
‘I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me help.
‘For me to reach you again I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I’m doing everything I can to recuperate.’
She took some time out of the spotlight to concentrate on her health, but recently announced that her remaining tour dates would be scrapped.
Tickets for the 42 canceled performances – including planned appearances in Paris later this year, and across the UK next April – will be refunded.
What is stiff-person syndrome?
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune movement disorder that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
SPS is characterised by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms. Stiff-person syndrome is extremely rare.
Only about one out of every one million people have been diagnosed with this syndrome. Twice as many women have stiff person syndrome as men. Symptoms can occur at any age but usually develop between ages 30 and 60.
‘It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour,’ an announcement on her Instagram page read.
‘I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%,’ she was quoted as saying.
‘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!’
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She revealed her health issues last year.
