Her timeless ballad from Titanic assures us that "My Heart Will Go On," but even the most enduring voices need rest. When Céline Dion fell ill, her iconic concerts in Las Vegas had to take a break. "You never want to let anyone down, but sometimes life throws you curveballs," she shared on January 10 at The Colosseum inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas after being forced to cancel a performance and step away temporarily. "Today, I’m not feeling my best. I’m not where I want to be," she admitted. As a result, she had to postpone six additional performances in the New Year.
An official statement revealed the cause: "Congestion and irritation of the vocal cords due to a lingering cold." Her doctor insisted on complete rest until her condition improves. While this setback may seem minor to some, those close to the legendary singer worry it might be a sign of something deeper. Céline, the proud mother of René-Charles, 17, and twins Eddy and Nelson, 7, has been grieving the loss of her beloved husband and manager, René Angélil, who passed away in January 2016. "This has been the toughest week for her since René passed," a close friend confided to Closer. "It looked like she was ready to step back into the spotlight, so she did one show, but afterward, she felt worse. She just needs a little extra time to heal and recover."
Céline and René in 2006.
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Pressing Pause: Céline's Challenges and New Projects
Halting her performances is tough for the 49-year-old star, who’s eager to finalize her upcoming CD. "That’s going to have to wait until she’s fully recovered," the friend noted. In 2014, when she faced a similar throat issue, René was there to support her. Now, Céline must navigate her health and professional obligations on her own. She has more Vegas dates scheduled for March and an Asian tour set to launch in June. "She will follow the doctor's advice, but I’m sure she’ll be back in March," the friend reassured.
Looking Forward: Céline's Determination to Return
Céline herself is optimistic. "This too shall pass," she declared, committed to regaining her strength and returning to the stage as soon as possible. "I love being on stage. I cherish the connection with the audience and the energy they give me. That’s what feeds my soul—it’s like nourishment!" she explained. And for her, there's no better remedy than the love and energy of her fans.
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