Jess Hardiman
Celine Dion has announced that she has had to cancel her world tour, saying it 'breaks her heart' to 'disappoint' fans.
A notice on her social media pages said: "It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour."
The singer has had to previously postpone live dates due to 'health issues', having been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.
It added a statement from the singer, who said with determination that she was 'not giving up'.
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“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again," she said. "I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%.
"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!”
Dion announced last December that she has a condition known as Stiff Person Syndrome - a rare neurological disorder that affects roughly one or two out of every million people.
"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 cords to sing the way I’m used to," she said.
The 'My Heart Will Go On' had been set to perform a Las Vegas residency at the Resorts World Theatre, from November through to February.
However, she had to postpone the string of dates, with a statement detailing the 'unforeseen medical symptoms [that] have forced the singer to delay the opening and cancel the performances scheduled'.
It added: "Céline has been experiencing severe and persistent muscle spasms which are preventing her from performing."
Dion said that she was 'heartbroken' by the postponement, telling fans via her Instagram caption: "I’m heartbroken by this. My team and I have been working on our new show for the past eight months, and to not be able to open this November saddens me beyond words.
"My partners at Resorts World Las Vegas and AEG have been working around the clock to get this brand-new state-of-the-art theatre ready, and it's absolutely beautiful.
"I feel so bad that I'm letting them down, and I’m especially sorry for disappointing all the fans who’ve been making their plans to come to Las Vegas. Now, I have to focus on getting better… I want to get through this as soon as I can."