Iconic singer Céline Dion is gearing up for her upcoming five-week residency in Paris, set to kick off next month, and she’s opening up about her battle with illness and the treatment she’s undergone.
Revealed in an exclusive feature in Harper’s Bazaar, the Canadian music sensation disclosed that she experienced symptoms of stiff person syndrome for 17 years before receiving an official diagnosis in 2022 with the rare neurological autoimmune disorder.
The pain, which intensified in 2020, was debilitating, often hindering her ability to walk, prompting her to rely on high doses of Valium for relief, as shared in her candid interview with the magazine.
Stiff person syndrome is a progressive condition that typically worsens over time, affecting only a small fraction of the population. Common symptoms include muscle rigidity and painful spasms triggered by various stimuli like stress, loud noises, or sudden movements. Despite no definitive cause or approved treatment for the disorder, certain therapies can help alleviate its effects.
Prior to her diagnosis, Dion would often attribute show cancellations to minor ailments like a cough or sinus infection, concealing the true extent of her suffering from her fans.
Reflecting on this period, Dion expressed a sense of guilt for not being transparent with her supporters, acknowledging their unwavering backing that enabled her to seek comprehensive treatment later on.
“They invested in tickets, albums, providing me with that privilege,” she remarked in the interview.
Following her diagnosis, Dion made the difficult decision to halt all scheduled performances. Since her last public appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she has been absent from the stage but is now gearing up for a comeback in September.
The Intensive Recovery Routine
Reports suggest that Dion has been diligently following a rigorous recovery regimen comprising medication, physical therapy, vocal exercises, and immunotherapy.
Additionally, she has incorporated 90-minute Pilates sessions thrice weekly and bi-weekly ballet classes to prepare for her upcoming shows.
In this exclusive and intimate interview by The National’s Adrienne Arsenault, Céline Dion opens up about her battle with stiff person syndrome, losing her defining voice, and her unwavering determination to make a musical comeback. [The documentary “I Am: Celine Dion” featured in this interview premieres on June 25 on Prime Video.]
Describing Dion as almost in constant motion
