26th May 2023 – (Vancouver) Celine Dion, the Canadian pop icon, has cancelled the remaining dates of her Courage World Tour due to health concerns. Dion, who revealed last year that she was suffering from Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, tweeted to her fans: “I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again… and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything until I’m really ready to be back on stage.”
Dion’s Courage World Tour had been scheduled to take place in 16 countries across Europe, starting in Amsterdam in August and concluding with two shows at the O2 arena in London in April 2024. The tour had been her first global concert tour in a decade and the first without her husband-manager Rene Angelil, who passed away from cancer in 2016.
In December 2022, Dion posted a tearful video on Instagram revealing that she had recently been diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome, which was causing muscle spasms and preventing her from singing. Sufferers of the disorder experience stiff muscles in the torso, arms, and legs, with noise or emotional distress known to trigger spasms.
Dion’s Courage World Tour began in 2019, and she completed 52 shows before the COVID-19 pandemic put the remainder on hold. She later canceled the North American section of the tour due to her health problems.
In a statement released by her tour, it was announced that all remaining dates currently on sale for 2023 and 2024 have been canceled due to Dion’s health concerns. Dion expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 percent.”
Dion’s fans have been supportive of her decision, with many sending their well wishes on social media. Despite the cancellations, Dion remains optimistic about the future and expressed her determination to return to the stage, tweeting, “I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
Dion’s illustrious career spans several decades, and she is known for her powerful vocals and hit songs such as “Because You Loved Me,” “My Heart Will Go On,” and “Think Twice.” She gained worldwide fame in 1997 with “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme song to James Cameron’s epic film Titanic.
Dion’s music career started when she was just 12 years old, and her mother sent a recording of her to Rene Angelil, who mortgaged his own home to finance her first album. She began singing in French but later started singing hits in English after taking English lessons in the 1980s.
Dion’s health concerns have once again highlighted the importance of taking care of oneself and putting health first. Despite the disappointment of her fans, Dion’s decision to prioritise her health is a reminder that one’s well-being is paramount, even for superstars like her. Her courage and determination to fight her illness are an inspiration to her fans worldwide.
The cancellations of Dion’s Courage World Tour will affect thousands of fans who were eagerly awaiting her live performances in Europe. However, the safety and well-being of the singer must come first. According to her website, tickets purchased for the cancelled dates will be refunded via their original point of sale.