Celine Dion cancels Vegas performances

Celine Dion has canceled her Las Vegas shows into next spring.

The Canadian singer, a longtime headliner at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, made the decision due to her husband's cancer, according to a statement from Caesars that was also posted on Dion's website. Her husband, Rene, who is also her manager, had a cancerous tumor removed in December.

"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,'' she said.

The statement also notes that Dion has had her own health issues recently -- inflammation in her throat muscles -- that forced the cancellation of recent shows. Her last Las Vegas performance was July 29.

Dion, who started her latest Las Vegas run in early 2011, had about 40 shows scheduled at Caesars through March 22, including New Year's Eve. In the statement, she apologized to fans for the inconvenience.

Caesars said ticket holders will receive refunds but not compensation for any hotel and travel expenses tied to visits to Las Vegas to see the show. Those who bought tickets with a credit card will see a refund on the card, while those who paid cash need to present the tickets at the original point of purchase.

Caesars said in a separate statement that it will seek other bookings for the Colosseum during Dion's absence but that is too early to comment on any candidates.

The news about Dion comes as country singer Shania Twain nears the end of her two-year residency at Caesars. Last month, Twain announced a final run of shows later this year.

Elton John and Rod Stewart also have standing shows at Caesars. Dion was the original resident, with The Colosseum essentially built for her first run, which began in March 2003 and ended in December 2007.

Today, Las Vegas has plenty of stars in residence, including Britney Spears, who began a lineup of shows at Planet Hollywood late last year.