Music veteran Diana Ross has pulled out of a high-profile performance on board the Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. The 81-year-old music icon has sparked concerns with fans online about her health due to the star's last-minute decision. The mum-of-five was due to headline a three-day showcase cruise launching on August 20 and had even been named the ship’s official godmother.

But in a surprising turn of events, her team confirmed on Tuesday (August 12) that Ross would no longer be performing on the cruise. The musician’s representative told People magazine: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Diana Ross will be unable to appear.”

No further details have been given, leaving fans speculating about her condition just weeks after her dazzling set at the Henley Festival.

Ross was scheduled to lead the celebration for the Star of the Seas – a state-of-the-art addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, with a special naming ceremony and headline gig.

The event, which departs from Port Canaveral, Florida and heads out to Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, was set to be one of the biggest at-sea entertainment launches.

The Royal Caribbean has since confirmed they’re searching for a new godmother, though Ross’ absence has clearly left big shoes to fill for the next artist.

The cruise line said in a statement: “We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be godmother of Star of the Seas.” They added that plans have been made to crown the new godmother which will be announced “soon”.

In June, Ross had even invited her family to join her on the Royal Caribbean cruise before her sudden withdrawal. She said in a press release at the time: “I am truly honoured to join the Royal Caribbean family.

“Having spent years creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”

Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley also praised her selection, branding her a “true icon” and the perfect figure to represent the brand’s celebratory spirit.

Despite her cancellation, Ross has reassured fans that she will still hit the road for her Beautiful Love U.S tour, which will kick off on August 16 in Saratoga, California.

She’s expected to make stops in Newark, Atlantic City, St. Louis, Lincoln to name a few before wrapping up in Palm Springs on December 13. Over the weekend, Ross took to Instagram to share the full list of dates online.

Ross wrote: “It’s good to be back home. The Beautiful Love Tour is coming to cities across the US for unforgettable nights filled with music, memories, and joy.

“The tour starts a week from today, on August 16th at the @mountainwinery in Saratoga, CA. Come join the love celebration.”

The musician also gave fans an insight into how she looks after herself in her 80s, telling People in June that health and family remain her top priorities. She told the outlet: “I like staying busy because I love what I do, it keeps me grounded.

“I’m swimming a lot lately to stay flexible. I must get my sleep, which is important to me. I do my best to eat well, but I do like Häagen-Dazs ice cream.”