Céline Dion has given fans an update on her Stiff Person Syndrome diganosis.
In one of her first interviews since her diagnosis, the singer spoke with Vogue France about living with SPS and whether she’ll return to music and touring.
“I can’t answer that… Because for four years I’ve been saying to myself that I’m not going back, that I’m ready, that I’m not ready,” Céline told the publication. “As things stand, I can’t stand here and say to you: ‘Yes, in four months.’ I don’t know… My body will tell me. On the other hand, I don’t just want to wait.”
There has been constant interest in Céline Dion’s health since she revealed her diagnosis in 2022. She touched on this interest and spoke about her personal turmoil over the diagnosis as well as how she’s worked to persevere through it the best she can.
“It’s morally hard to live from day to day. It’s hard, I’m working very hard and tomorrow will be even harder. Tomorrow is another day. But there’s one thing that will never stop, and that’s the will. It’s the passion. It’s the dream. It’s the determination.”
The interview comes weeks after Céline posted to Instagram on March 16, 2024 to recognise International SPS Awareness Day. The singer wrote alongside a picture of her and her three sons:
“As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible.
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you,” she continued.
“I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!”
This isn’t the first update the public has gotten regarding Céline’s health.
In December 2023, Céline’s sister Claudette Dion told 7 Jours, “She’s working hard, but she doesn’t have control over her muscles. What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined.
“She’s always worked hard. Our mother always told her, ‘You’re going to do it well, you’re going to do it properly,'” she continued.
Claudette then said Celine is hoping to start singing and performing again but she’s unsure whether it’s possible.
“It’s true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know.”
Since being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, Celine has stayed out of the public eye – her health has been under the spotlight since announcing her diagnosis in December 2022 and subsequently cancelling her highly anticipated world tour.
However, the singer was snapped by adoring fans amongst the crowd during Katy Perry’s final Las Vegas residency show on November 5, 2023, wearing a cheetah print top and matching pants and a black blazer. It was a star-studded affair; Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden were also in attendance.
And just a few days earlier, Celine attended a Montreal Canadiens ice hockey game on November 2, 2023, where she was snapped alongside the coach and the team’s players after their game in Las Vegas.
The My Heart Will Go On singer posted the pictures to her Instagram writing, “My boys and I had such a fun time visiting with the Montreal Canadiens after their hockey game with Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas Monday night. They played so well, what a game!! Thank you for meeting us after the game, guys! That was memorable for all of us. Have a great season!”
Céline visited the game alongside her sons René-Charles, and twins Nelson and Eddy.
What happened to Céline Dion?
French Canadian singer Céline Dion’s health began declining in 2020 and she revealed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. The singer explained that the syndrome had been causing muscle spasms.
Céline subsequently cancelled her tour dates in May 2023 after previously cancelling tour dates in 2022.
“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%… I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!” Céline wrote on her official tour website at the time.
Following this, the powerhouse vocalist’s social media accounts began posting archival footage and promotional material for the romantic comedy Love Again in Céline’s absence.
What is stiff person syndrome?
Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder which causes the body’s muscles to stiffen or spasm.
According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), people with Stiff Person Syndrome may also develop sensitivity to noise and touch which can cause distress and trigger muscle spasms.
According to the NINDS, there is currently no cure for Stiff Person Syndrome, however, the symptoms of the disorder can be managed with muscle-relaxant medications, anti-seizure medication and immunotherapy.
How is Céline Dion’s health now?
Prior to the aforementioned updates Céline gave in March 2024 and Claudette gave in December 2023, Claudette told Hello! Canada that Celine is a “strong woman” who is doing “everything to recover”.
Claudette also revealed that her sister had been suffering muscle spasms as a result of her Stiff Person Syndrome, saying, “It’s an illness we know so little about. There are spasms – they’re impossible to control. You know who people often jump up at night because of a cramp in the leg or the calf? It’s a bit like that, but in all muscles.
“There’s little we can do to support her, to alleviate her pain.”
Her sister Suzette also provided an update on the singer in 2023. “We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important,” she told French Canadian publication Le Journal de Montreal.
Furthermore, Céline’s sister Linda has reportedly moved into the singer’s Las Vegas home to care for her, alongside her sons.
