Demi Lovato’s Pals Are ‘Keeping a Close Eye’ on the ‘Sober’ Pop Star Amid Concert Cancellations (Exclusive)

Demi Lovato’s decision to cancel a string of shows on her upcoming It’s Not That Deep Tour has set off alarm bells amongst worried pals.

On Tuesday, February 10, the 33-year-old pop star, who has been open about her struggles with substance abuse, penned a message to fans on her Instagram Story, explaining that she had “overextended” herself and needed to “adjust” her concert schedule to “protect” her health.

“She insists that she’s making this choice because she’s sober and wants to protect her peace,” a source tells Star. “Everyone is being supportive of this because it’s true. The worst thing someone in her position can do is overextend themselves and get burned out, but that hasn’t stopped the whispers.”

In 2018, Lovato suffered a near-fatal drug overdose that left her in the hospital for two weeks, during which time, the “Sober” singer revealed in her 2021 documentary Dancing With the Devil, she suffered a heart attack and three strokes.

“With Demi’s history of addiction, it’s very hard for people in her life not to immediately panic and think the worst,” Star’s source admits. “Her friends are trying hard not to jump to conclusions, but they can’t help feeling protective of her.”

And for good reason.

“They know how sensitive she is and how much the pressure of touring can get to her, so they will definitely be keeping a close eye on her,” adds the source. “She’s opened herself up to a lot of speculation with this and more scrutiny when she does get up on stage, which really is the last thing she needs.”