Entertainment

Celine Dion opens up about life with stiff person syndrome.

Celine Dion has opened up about living with stiff person syndrome.

Speaking during an interview with Vogue France on Monday 22nd April 2024, the singer said she was, “well, but it’s a lot of work,” adding: “I’m taking it one day at a time.”

The 56-year-old said she is hoping for a “miracle” cure for the condition which has affected her singing and day-to-day life, but said that she is working on accepting the situation.

In the interview, she revealed that she spends five days a week on “athletic, physical, and vocal therapy.”

“I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice… I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself. At the beginning, I would ask myself: ‘Why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault? Life doesn’t give you any answers. You just have to live it,” she said.

“I have this illness for some unknown reason. The way I see it, I have two choices. Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror, and sing to myself. I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again.”

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological condition that is characterized by muscle rigidity and spasms, heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as sound and lights, and emotional distress that can cause muscle spasms.

Back in 2022, Celine made it public to the world that she was taking time off from professional commitments to focus on her health after revealing her diagnosis. She has since stopped touring and performing live.

An upcoming documentary titled “I Am: Celine Dion” is set to premiere later this year. The film “captures more than a year of filming as the singer navigates her journey toward living an open and authentic life amidst illness.”

 

Subscribe to eNewsletter