Celine Dion cancels shows as she battles ‘sad’ mystery illness

Singing superstar Celine Dion has been forced to cancel her upcoming shows on her 'Courage World Tour' as she continues to struggle with a mystery health battle.

"I was really hoping I’d be good to go by now, but I suppose I just have to be more patient and follow the regimen my doctors are prescribing," the star said in a post on Twitter on Saturday.

Celine, who turns 54 this year, also shared an accompanying statement that explained she recently received treatment for "severe and persistent muscle spasms which are preventing her from performing, and her recovery is taking longer than she hoped".

"There’s a lot of organising and preparation that goes into our shows, and so we have to make decisions today which will affect the plans two months down the road," she added in the statement.

"I’ll be so glad to get back to full health, as well as all of us getting past this pandemic, and I can’t wait to be back on stage again.

"I’ve been very touched by all the words of encouragement that everyone’s been sending to me on social media. I feel your love and support and it means the world to me."

The My Heart Will Go On singer initially completed 52 shows of the tour by March 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic hit, and had intended to resume shows across North America on March 9, 2022.

She had already postponed her Las Vegas residency in October 2021 as a result of the spasms, but at this stage is still scheduled to participate in the European leg of her tour, which is scheduled to begin May 25, in Birmingham, England.

In a previous interview with French magazine, Voici, Celine's sister Claudette opened up about the star's health battle.

"What’s happening to her is sad. But it’s not serious, otherwise she would have told me," she said.

"Celine always confides in me and asks for advice when something is wrong. I know she’s in good spirits."

Fans shared their support for the star on Twitter.

"Take all the time you need YOU are more important to us then the time we have to wait for you to bless us with your music," one said.

"As much as I love your music, I love you more! Rest up. see you when you’re back!" another wrote.

"Take your time @celinedion I truly hope you will get better soon. Meanwhile I'll keep belting your songs like never before because you are and will always be #1," was another comment.

While a fourth fan wrote: "Good luck to you, hope you get better soon."

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