LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Celine Dion has been forced to cancel four months of shows after her vocal chords became inflamed following a nasty virus.

The singer, who is in the first year of her three year performance contract with Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, released a statement on her website following the announcement.

"I tried to sing at my sound-check last week, and I had no control of my voice whatsoever. We thought that after a few days rest I would improve but it wasn't getting any better. Obviously this is the worst thing for a singer -- not being able to do your shows. I feel worse knowing that I'm disappointing my fans. I'm so sorry. I hope they forgive me."

Her concerts will resume June 9, where tickets fetch as much as $250.