The multi-Grammy-winning artist has been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
Through an emotional video posted on Instagram, award-winning artist Celine Dion revealed her diagnosis of a rare neurological disorder. Because of her health condition, the 54-year-old rescheduled her spring 2023 shows to 2024 and canceled eight summer 2023 shows.
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” she writes in the caption in part.
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Dion shares the rare condition, Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), which affects only about one in a million people. “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having.”
Affecting daily life
“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” the mother of three added.
The two announcement videos were published on December 8, one in English and the other in French. Dion is of French-Canadian descent, born in Charlemagne, Canada.
The My Heart Will Go On singer put on an indefinite pause in 2014 when her husband, René Angélil, was battling cancer. By 2015, she resumed performing shows but later went on a hiatus the following year after the tragic deaths of Angélil and her brother, Daniel Dion.
Dion shared that she’s been working with a sports medicine therapist daily to regain her ability to perform. “but I have to admit it’s been a struggle,” she continued. “All I know is singing. It’s what I’ve done all my life and what I love to do the most.
Powering through
“I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you [and] being on the stage, performing for you,” she said tearfully. “I always give 100 percent when I do my show, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
Her posts garnered over 100,000 comments offering love, understanding, and support for the singer. “We love you forever, Céline, you have no idea,” fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus wrote in French.
Meanwhile, 22-time Latin Grammy Award winner Alejandro Sanz shared [the music community] loves you and prays for your recovery. Thanks for being so brave, for your courage. I can’t wait to see you on the stage again. And I’m sure It will happen sooner than you think.”
Banner image from @celinedion on Instagram.
