Celine Dion cancels Vegas, showbiz schedule for health, husband

Celine Dion has canceled all Las Vegas shows through March and an Asian tour, and postponed her entire showbiz schedule, to focus on her husband’s cancer fight and her own struggle with an inflammation of her throat muscles.

“I want to devote every ounce of my strength and energy to my husband’s healing, and to do so, it’s important for me to dedicate this time to him and to our children,” Dion said in a Caesars Palace news release emailed to the media at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Rene Angelil, the 72-year-old who managed the singer from the time she was 12 and married her in 1994, stepped down as her manager in June after surgery for throat cancer in December. The couple has three children.

“I also want to apologize to all my fans everywhere, for inconveniencing them, and I thank them so much for their love and support,” the singer’s statement continued.

“I also appreciate the understanding of my long-term partners AEG and Caesars Entertainment during this difficult time.”

In a reciprocal announcement, AEG Live executive John Meglen released a statement saying the company is “100% supportive of Celine’s decision to take this time to devote to her health and the health and happiness of her family. Celine has always placed her family life before show business, and this decision is no different. …

“Celine and Rene have been more than just business partners through the years, we’ve become family; and in any loving family, you support and encourage unconditionally. This is a personal journey for Celine and Rene, so we will respect the family’s wish for privacy during this time,” said Meglen, AEG Live’s president of global touring.

Beyond Angelil’s issues, Dion canceled seven shows on Aug. 1, blaming a sinus infection which progressed into severe swelling of her vocal chords, making it impossible for her to sing.

This leaves some holes in the Caesars lineup. Not counting the shows already canceled, Dion was originally booked for 41 dates between Friday and March 22, including New Year’s Eve.

At this early point, producer AEG Live has not announced which acts could fill Dion’s schedule. Previously, the producer announced Shania Twain, another member of its rotating headliner roster, would not return next year. The two developments are said to be independent and that continuing Twain’s show next year to fill some of Dion’s empty dates would be unlikely.

People who bought tickets by credit card will get refunded through their cards. Fans who paid cash for tickets can get refunds from the original point of purchase.

So many people plan their Las Vegas vacations around Dion’s shows that Caesars included the following legal language in the news release:

“Please note that Celine, The Colosseum, AXS, Caesars Palace, and AEG Live are not responsible for hotel, travel or other expenses related to the cancellations of these performances.”

Las Vegas Review-Journal writer Mike Weatherford contributed to this report.