Celine Dion Reveals Rare Neurological Disorder, Cancels Shows

Singer Celine Dion arrives to attend the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019/20 collection show by designer Alexandre Vauthier in Paris, France, July 2, 2019. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau
Singer Celine Dion arrives to attend the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019/20 collection show by designer Alexandre Vauthier in Paris, France, July 2, 2019. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau
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Celine Dion Reveals Rare Neurological Disorder, Cancels Shows

Singer Celine Dion arrives to attend the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019/20 collection show by designer Alexandre Vauthier in Paris, France, July 2, 2019. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau
Singer Celine Dion arrives to attend the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019/20 collection show by designer Alexandre Vauthier in Paris, France, July 2, 2019. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

Pop diva Celine Dion on Thursday tearfully revealed that she is suffering from Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that is affecting her singing, and said she would have to cancel or postpone a series of European shows.

In a five-minute video posted on Instagram in French and English, a clearly emotional Dion said she had been dealing with the health problems "for a long time."

"Recently I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called Stiff-Person Syndrome which affects something like one in a million people," the Canadian hitmaker said.

It has been causing spasms that "affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to," she said.

"It hurts me to tell you today this means I won't be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February."

Dion, who is 54, said she was supported by her children and a team of doctors working every day to improve her condition, but added: "I have to admit, it's 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," said Dion, breaking into tears.

"I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you."

Her spring dates in Europe, which were due to begin in the Czech Republic in February, have been postponed to 2024, while eight of her summer shows have been cancelled entirely.



Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London
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Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

The Saudi Film Commission is participating in the inaugural European edition of the SXSW Festival, taking place in London from June 2 to 7.

SXSW is a prestigious global platform that brings together a select group of professionals and experts from various creative sectors through a variety of events, including panel discussions, musical and comedy performances, film and television screenings, exhibitions, technical competitions, and opportunities for professional development and partnership building.

The Commission’s participation includes screening a selection of short Saudi films under the “Saudi Film Nights” initiative, with the aim of showcasing Saudi storytelling and empowering national talent for international audiences.

The Commission is also organizing a panel session titled “Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,” which will explore the role of cinema in shaping national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local content as a tool of soft power.

Within the Saudi pavilion, the Commission is showcasing the Kingdom’s cinematic achievements through an exhibition featuring films that have sold over 250,000 tickets at the box office, participated in prestigious international festivals, or won global awards. This underscores the growth of the Saudi film industry and its rising prominence on the international stage.

The Saudi Film Commission is part of the joint Saudi pavilion, which includes other creative sector entities such as the Music Commission, the Culinary Arts Commission, the Fashion Commission, and MOCX. Together, they present a comprehensive view of the Kingdom’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.

This participation underscores the Film Commission’s commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia’s global presence, empowering creative talent, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in the cinema industry.