Challenges in the Life of Celine Dion in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Celine Dion's life and career.

Céline Dion is a highly successful Canadian singer, often called the "Queen of Power Ballads." Known for her powerful and technically proficient vocals, she has made a substantial impact on popular music through her commercially successful songs and albums. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time with record sales of over 200 million worldwide.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1989: Vocal Injury and Training

In 1989, during a concert on the Incognito tournée, Céline Dion injured her voice. She chose vocal training with William Riley over immediate surgery.

2009: Miscarriage

In 2009, Celine Dion suffered a miscarriage.

December 2013: Husband's cancerous tumor removal

In December 2013, Celine Dion's husband underwent the removal of a cancerous tumor, which led to the postponement of her show business activities in August 2014 due to his worsening health.

August 2014: Postponement of show business activities

On August 13, 2014, Celine Dion announced the indefinite postponement of all her show business activities, including her concert residency at Caesars Palace, and the cancellation of her Asia Tour due to her husband's worsening health.

January 2016: Death of René Angélil and Daniel Dion

In January 2016, René Angélil died at age 73 of throat cancer. Shortly after, Celine Dion's brother, Daniel, died also of cancer. Following Angélil's death, Dion became the sole owner and president of her companies.

January 2016: Cancellation of performances due to deaths

On January 14, 2016, Celine Dion cancelled the rest of her January performances due to the deaths of her husband and her brother from cancer.

March 2018: Hearing Irregularities and Surgical Procedure

On 22 March 2018, Celine Dion's management announced she had been dealing with hearing irregularities due to patulous Eustachian tube and would undergo a surgical procedure to correct the problem.

June 2020: Announcement of Courage World Tour Resumption

On June 10, 2020, Celine Dion announced her Courage World Tour would kick off again in 2021, after the tour was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2022: Cancellation of North American tour dates

On January 15, 2022, Celine Dion canceled her North American tour dates because of severe muscle spasms.

August 2022: Official Diagnosis Date

In August 2022, Celine Dion was officially diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome after struggling with symptoms for 17 years.

December 2022: Diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome

In December 2022, Celine Dion disclosed that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a neurological disorder affecting her muscles.

2022: Tour Cancellation due to stiff-person syndrome

In 2022, Céline Dion had to cancel her tour after being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome.

June 2024: Public disclosure of 17-year struggle

In June 2024, Celine Dion publicly disclosed in a People magazine cover story that she had struggled with a variety of mysterious symptoms for 17 years before her August 2022 diagnosis.