Celine Dion has been forced to cancel even more shows at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace because of a virus that has caused an inflammation in her vocal chords.

The French-Canadian singer initially postponed all shows until Saturday March 3 due to illness, but has now revealed the virus will also prevent her from performing in Las Vegas until June 9.

Dion said in a statement: "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."

On Monday, she was examined by Dr. Gerald Burke, an authority in laryngeal physiology at UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles.

While the singer was diagnosed with a viral illness and weakness in her right vocal cord, he assured her however she would be "back to 100 per cent," after resting her voice.

"Obviously this is the worst thing for a singer ... not being able to do your shows," she added. "I feel worse knowing that I'm disappointing my fans. I'm so sorry ... I hope they forgive me."

Follow us

The "I Drove all Night" and "My Heart Will Go On" singer returned for the first time to Caesars Palace last year for a three-year contract. Prior to that she completed a five-year-run at the casino, and then took time off to tour the world and give birth to twin boys Eddy and Nelson in 2010.

In 2003, the Las Vegas Strip casino spent $95 million building the Colosseum for Dion which included a humidifier to protect her voice.

All other performances at the Colosseum are set to continue as normal including performances by Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld.