Celine Dion spent over a decade noticing something not right with her body before receiving a diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. Her symptoms began during her Taking Chances World Tour in 2008, with difficulty controlling her voice and stiffening muscles. Despite tests showing no abnormalities, Dion continued touring and performing. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Dion finally had the time to seek answers. Doctors diagnosed her with stiff person syndrome, a disorder causing stiffness and spasms in muscles with no cure.
Since her diagnosis, Dion has been undergoing treatment for her symptoms. Despite not being able to beat the disease, she works hard with physical and vocal therapy five days a week to manage her condition. Dion admits she initially questioned if her illness was her fault, but came to realize there are no answers in life. She is determined to face life with stiff person syndrome head-on by working with a medical team and training like an athlete. Dion’s goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again, showcasing her determination to live life to the fullest.
Dion will share her journey with stiff person syndrome in a new documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” set to stream on Prime Video. This intimate look into her life will show the singer in vulnerable moments, admitting the struggles she faces due to her condition. In the trailer for the film, Dion expresses how much she misses singing, the stage, and her fans. Despite the challenges, she vows to keep moving forward, stating, “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. I won’t stop.” Dion hopes the documentary will raise awareness about stiff person syndrome and encourage people not to wait as long as she did for a diagnosis.
The singer’s positive outlook on life shines through as she discusses finding solace in her home and the vulnerable moments she shares in the documentary. Dion embraces the opportunity to let others into her personal struggles with stiff person syndrome, showing her resilient spirit and determination to overcome the challenges she faces. By sharing her story, Dion hopes to inspire others facing similar health battles to seek help and not wait as long as she did for answers. Through hard work, dedication, and the support of her medical team, Dion is committed to living her life to the fullest despite her diagnosis.
