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Céline Dion is opening up about the yearslong health battle she kept hidden from fans before finally receiving a life-changing diagnosis.
The 58-year-old singer recently appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Global Icons issue and revealed in the accompanying interview that she had been experiencing symptoms of stiff-person syndrome for about 17 years before she was first diagnosed in August 2022.
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder that causes severe muscle stiffness and painful, often unpredictable spasms.
CELINE DION DESCRIBES FEELING ‘LIKE SOMEBODY IS STRANGLING’ HER WHEN SINGING WITH STIFF PERSON SYNDROME
During those years, Dion’s symptoms could become so debilitating that she struggled to walk and, at times, relied on high doses of Valium “simply to function,” according to the outlet.
“It is a progressive condition,” Dion told Harper’s Bazaar. “I don’t like to say ‘disease.’”
According to Harper’s Bazaar, Dion also struggled with guilt over attributing canceled shows to sinus infections or coughs while privately dealing with far more serious symptoms.
As her unexplained health problems intensified around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dion largely withdrew from public view due to concerns that fans might question her concert cancellations if they saw her otherwise going about her life, Harper’s Bazaar reported.
Dion first publicly revealed her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in an emotional video she shared on Instagram in December 2022.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” she said at the time in the clip. “Unfortunately, these spasms 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.”
After revealing her diagnosis, Dion initially postponed a string of European concerts and canceled several others. In May 2023, she announced that she was scrapping the remainder of her Courage World Tour, canceling all remaining 2023 and 2024 dates.
In the years since being diagnosed, Dion has undergone an intensive rehabilitation regimen as she works to manage the condition and return to the stage. According to Harper’s Bazaar, Dion’s regimen includes medication, physical and vocal therapy and immunotherapy.
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As her treatment progressed, the “My Heart Will Go On” songstress slowly began stepping back into the public eye. In February 2024, Dion returned to the spotlight at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, appearing on stage for the first time since she stopped performing in 2020. Dion served as the final presenter of the night, announcing Taylor Swift’s win for album of the year.
Dion continued her gradual return to the spotlight that summer, promoting her documentary, “I Am: Céline Dion,” and making a rare red carpet appearance at its New York premiere in June.
The following month, Dion made a triumphant return to the stage when she performed at the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony, singing Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” from the Eiffel Tower.
In November 2024, Dion performed at Elie Saab’s 1001 Seasons fashion show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, Dion announced on her 58th birthday that she would headline a five-week residency in Paris beginning next month.
“This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life,” she said in a video. “I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September!”
“I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously a little nervous, but most of all, I’m grateful to all of you!” she added. “I love you all and I’ll see you soon!”
As she prepares for her Paris residency, Dion has incorporated 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week and ballet classes on other days into her recovery regimen, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
The five-time Grammy Award winner told the outlet that reconnecting with her fans remains at the heart of her comeback.
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“It’s been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I’ve missed them,” she said.
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