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Celine Dion reschedules tour dates as she is diagnosed with rare neurological condition

Watch: Celine Dion cancels tour due to incurable 'Stiff Person Syndrome'

Celine Dion has been forced to reschedule and cancel dates on her tour after being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition.

The singer, 54, posted an emotional video on Instagram telling her fans that she had Stiff Person Syndrome, which she said affects around one in a million people.

Fighting back tears, Dion said the condition had an impact on "every aspect of my daily life" and said it hurt her to say she wouldn't be ready for her planned shows.

Read more: Celine Dion shares rare photo of twin sons on their birthday

The star said she was an "open book" but that she hadn't been ready to open up about her diagnosis until now.

Celine Dion performing at British Summer Time in Hyde Park, London.
Celine Dion said she hadn't been ready to open up until now. (PA)

The post was titled: "Celine Dion reschedules Spring 2023 shows to 2024, and cancels eight of her summer 2023 shows."

In the video, the star explained: “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.

“Recently I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome which affects something like one in a million people.

Celine Dion performs on the NBC Today Show concert series in New York City.
Celine Dion was tearful as she opened up about her condition. (PA)

"While we are still learning about this rare condition we now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms that I have been having.

"Unfortunately the 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 am used to."

Dion went on: "It hurts me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February."

RENE ANGELIL & CELINE DION VH1 DIVAS LAS VEGAS MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO LAS VEGAS USA 23 May 2002
Celine Dion with her late husband Rene Angelil. (PA Images/Alamy)

The mum-of-three said she had a “great team” of doctors and that her children were supporting her and giving her hope.

Read more: Why Celine Dion says the movie Up saved her life

According to the National Organisation for Rare Diseases, Stiff Person Syndrome "is a rare acquired neurological disorder characterised by progressive muscle stiffness (rigidity) and repeated episodes of painful muscle spasms".

Dion has three sons with her late husband Rene Angelil, who died in 2016 after battling cancer.