In 2022, Dion revealed that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disease characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms, hypersensitivity to stimuli such as sound and light, and emotional stress. The singer took a break from her professional commitments to focus on her health and has since stopped performing or going on concert tours. However, she remains determined to live with her condition and continue working hard on her singing voice.
Dion has been undergoing athletics, physical therapy, and vocal treatments for five days a week in order to improve her health. She works on various parts of her body including her toes, knees, calves, fingers, singing voice and other areas affected by SPS. She also emphasizes the importance of acceptance in living with the condition stating that it is important not to dwell on why it happened but instead focus on making the best of the situation.
The cause of Dion’s illness remains unknown but she has stated that she has two options: either train like an athlete and work very hard or give up completely. She chose to work with her whole body and soul from head to toe with a medical team in order to be the best version of herself possible.
Dion acknowledges that what helped her most was the love and support from her family and fans along with first-class medical care which allowed her financial position as a singer. She is grateful for these resources as people who suffer from SPS may not have access to good doctors or treatments due to lack of funds or awareness about the condition. Dion knows that nothing will stop her from achieving her goals despite not being able to promise fans that she will return to live performances anytime soon.
A new documentary called “Me: Celine Dion” is set to be released later this year on Prime Video (Amazon) which will document over a year of footage in which Dion navigates through life while suffering from SPS. The official synopsis describes it as an authentic look at one of music’s greatest legends who continues to inspire millions around the world even after receiving a life-altering diagnosis.
