Céline Dion Reveals She’s Struggling With a Rare, Incurable Disease, and We Hope She Gets the Support She Needs

Céline Dion, 54, was born in a small town in Canada and is the youngest of 14 children. She started singing when she was just 5 years old and gained recognition in the ’90s. The song My Heart Will Go On from the classic movie Titanic became a worldwide phenomenon, and that was only the beginning of her successful career. Since then, the singer and businesswoman has always been a powerhouse in her professional and private life.

The mother of 3 shared a heartbreaking interview with her fans, revealing that she’s battling a rare neurological condition known to turn people into “human statues.”

Céline Dion has been out of the public eye for the past few months.

Céline Dion announced in early 2022 that she would have to cancel some of her remaining shows on the “Courage World Tour” due to health issues. She said she was dealing with severe muscle spasms that made it difficult for her to perform.

In April, she said she was feeling better but was still experiencing spasms and working to get back to good health. “I’m doing my very best to get back to the level that I need to be on so that I can give 100% at my shows because that’s what you deserve.” Because of this, all future concert dates were moved to 2023.

In December 2022, Céline posted a soul-stirring video where she candidly spoke to her fans.

“As you know, I’ve always been an open book, and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now,” Dion shared. She regretfully announced, “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. It hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour.”

Céline continued, “I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder, Stiff Person Syndrome, which affects 1 in a million people. We now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having — they 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.”

Stiff Person Syndrome — what is it?

Also known as SPS, this condition is autoimmune and neurological, and its cause it’s still a mystery today. It often consists of stiffening in the torso and limbs as well as episodes of rough muscle spasms triggered by loud noises or emotional stress. Most people start to experience symptoms between the ages of 30 to 60.

SPS affects twice as many women as men. People with SPS can be too disabled to walk or move or afraid to leave the house because street noises, like the sound of a horn, can trigger spasms and falls.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, and doctors often address its symptoms using a personalized treatment plan. Physical, occupational, and aqua therapy can also be helpful for people with SPS.

Céline’s 3 kids, René-Charles (named after his father) and twins Nelson and Eddy are always by her side.

Dion was married for more than 20 years to her late husband, René Angélil, who sadly passed away in 2016. They welcomed 3 kids after multiple IVF treatments. “He was the only man that I kissed, the only man that I loved...I never kissed another man in my life,” the singer shared.

During her speech, she talked about her children too, sharing, “My precious children are supporting me and giving me hope.”

Céline and her eldest son, René-Charles

Céline and her late husband

Singing has always been and continues to be Céline Dion’s greatest passion.

The iconic singer is working hard to regain her strength and ability to perform again. She admitted that she’s been struggling. “All I know is singing. It’s what I’ve done all my life. And it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you so much, I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, and performing for you. For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment, and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery.

I love you guys so much, and I really hope I can see you again real soon.”

We’re sending Céline Dion all of our positive thoughts and healing energies. We hope she gets the support and care she needs to feel better soon. We can’t wait to see her doing what she loves to do again.

Out of all of her songs, which one resonates with you the most? What would you say if you had the chance to send her a message? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.