'It breaks my heart': Celine Dion cancels 'Courage World Tour' concerts
Canadian singer Celine Dion has cancelled all of her concerts scheduled through to early spring 2024.
In a statement Friday, Dion announced all remaining Courage World Tour shows have been cancelled due to an ongoing medical condition.
"I'm so sorry to disappoint all of you once again," Dion 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."
Dion, 55, was diagnosed last year with a rare neurological condition known as stiff person syndrome (SPS).
WHAT'S STIFF PERSON SYNDROME
SPS is a neurological condition that impacts a person's muscles, and in Dion’s case, it hinders her ability to perform.
People with SPS have described the condition as "excruciating" and say it causes "debilitating" pain because of heightened sensitivity to noise and touch. The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says SPS has "features" of an autoimmune disorder.
"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," the Canadian icon said Friday. "I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
Last month, Dion released new music and revealed her acting debut in a new romantic comedy. Her first single, "Love Again," was the title track from an upcoming film where she plays a supporting role.
The film tells the story of a woman who finds solace from the sudden death of her fiancé by texting his old cell phone number, only to find a new connection with a different man who had the number reassigned to him.
A total of 42 shows have been cancelled. Tickets will be refunded via the original point of sale, according to tour organizers.
Ticketholders with additional questions are asked to reach out to their original point of purchase.
With files from CTV News' Natasha O'Neill and CTV News Montreal's Lillian Roy
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion
Donald Trump suggested Sunday that his new administration could try to regain control of the Panama Canal that the United States “foolishly” ceded to its Central American ally, contending that shippers are charged “ridiculous” fees to pass through the vital transportation channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Man handed 5th distracted driving charge for using cell phone on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa
An Ottawa driver was charged for using a cell phone behind the wheel on Sunday, the fifth time he has faced distracted driving charges.
Wrongfully convicted N.B. man has mixed feelings since exoneration
Robert Mailman, 76, was exonerated on Jan. 4 of a 1983 murder for which he and his friend Walter Gillespie served lengthy prison terms.
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
opinion Christmas movies for people who don't like Christmas movies
The holidays can bring up a whole gamut of emotions, not just love and goodwill. So CTV film critic Richard Crouse offers up a list of Christmas movies for people who might not enjoy traditional Christmas movies.
More than 7,000 Jeep SUVs recalled in Canada over camera display concern
A software issue potentially affecting the rearview camera display in select Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models has prompted a recall of more than 7,000 vehicles.
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
10 hospitalized after carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottawa's east end
The Ottawa Police Service says ten people were taken to hospital, with one of them in life-threatening condition, after being exposed to carbon monoxide in the neighbourhood of Vanier on Sunday morning.
New York City police apprehend suspect in the death of a woman found on fire in a subway car
New York City police announced Sunday they have in custody a “person of interest” in the early morning death of a woman who they believe may have fallen asleep on a stationary subway train before being intentionally lit on fire by a man she didn't know.
Local Spotlight
Willistead Manor celebrates the Christmas season in style, with only two weekends left to visit
From the Great Hall to the staircase and landings, to the conservatory – hundreds of people have toured the Willistead Manor this December.
Music maker, 88, creates unique horn section, with moose antler bass guitar and cello
Eighty-eight-year-old Lorne Collie has been making musical instruments for more than three decades, creations that dazzle for their unique materials as much as their sound.
Promise of high-level hockey comes at a cost for prep school players at Circle K Classic
Calgary is set to host the Circle K Classic, welcoming some high-end talent and pricey prep schools for the annual U18 AAA hockey tournament.
School custodian stages surprise for Kitchener, Ont. students ahead of holiday break
He’s no Elf on the Shelf, but maybe closer to Ward of the Board.
'Theodore Too' refloated after partial sinking in St. Catharines
The life-size replica of Theodore Tugboat, Theodore TOO, is upright again after suffering a partial sinking Tuesday.
Appeal dismissed in Sask. 'thumbs up' emoji case
An appeal to a legal case that made international headlines has been dismissed by Saskatchewan's highest court.
B.C. man drops camera into ocean, accidentally captures 'breathtaking' whale video
Before it turned into an extraordinary day, Peter Mieras says it began being quite ordinary.
Freezing rain turns streets into skating rinks, literally in this Sask. community
They say the world is your oyster, and the streets are your stating rink – or at least they are in this Saskatchewan community.
Caught on camera: Porch pirate steals dirty diapers from Edmonton step
A would-be thief got away with a bag of dirty diapers after snagging what they thought was a package off an Edmonton porch.