Canadian pop superstar Celine Dion has opened up about her health journey following her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome. In her first interview since announcing the career-sidelining diagnosis, the 56-year-old singer told Vogue France that she is ‘well,’ but her condition requires ‘a lot of work.’
Dion, who is known for her powerhouse vocals and iconic hits, disclosed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes stiff muscles in the torso, arms, and legs. Noise or emotional distress can trigger spasms.
As the cover star of Vogue France’s May edition, Dion shared her experience with the condition, emphasizing that she is ‘not cured’ and that the disease ‘will always be within me.’ However, she expressed hope for a future cure through scientific research and is learning to live with the challenges it presents.
Dion currently undergoes athletic, physical, and vocal therapy five days a week to manage her symptoms. Despite the challenges, she remains determined to return to the stage and perform for her fans. However, she acknowledges that her body will ultimately dictate her ability to do so.
In May last year, Dion had to cancel a string of shows scheduled for 2023 and 2024 due to her health concerns. She recently made a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards in February, presenting the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift. In January, Dion announced a feature-length documentary, to be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, about her condition to help increase public awareness of Stiff Person Syndrome.
Throughout her decades-long career, Dion has captivated audiences worldwide, selling over 250 million albums. The Quebec-born star’s Courage World Tour began in 2019, over three years after her longtime manager and husband, René Angélil, passed away. Dion completed 52 shows before the Covid-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the remaining dates.
