Celine Dion addresses Stiff Person Syndrome, calls it "one of the hardest experiences" of her life

18 March 2024, 12:12

It's been a long battle for Celine.

It came as a major shock to the music world when Céline Dion revealed she was struggling with health issues which meant she had to cancel her planned tour in 2022.

What came as more of a shock was when the iconic French-Canadian singer revealed she had an incurable illness.

The illness in question was Stiff-Person Syndrome, an illness so rare that it only affects 'one in a million people'.

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Sadly, Céline was one of those people, and having revealed her news in December 2022, has seldom been seen in public since.

That was until recently however, as the 'My Heart Will Go On' legend made a surprise return to the Grammy Awards in February 2024 where she was greeted with a standing ovation from her peers.

Following on from her appearance, Céline has now opened up about how she dealt with her diagnosis, calling it "one of the hardest experiences of my life."

Marking International Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day on 15th March with an post to her 6.4 million followers, Céline seems in positive spirits.

"Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day," she wrote. "As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)."

"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!"

"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!" she added, in a defiant manner.

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A post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion)

Surrounded by her three loving sons in the photo - René-Charles and twins Nelson and Eddy whom she shares with her late husband René Angélil who died in 2016 - Céline showed the loving support she had from her children.

René-Charles even accompanied his mum on stage at the Grammy Awards, ensuring she arrived to the podium without any hitches.

Stiff-Person Syndrome is a rare neurological condition which causes muscle spasms and rigidity, as well as heightened sensitivity to light and sound according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Dion stepped away from her music career in 2022 after the diagnosis changed her life. Though she's determined to get back to the stage, to do the thing she loves the most: performing.

A new upcoming documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, is set for release on Prime Video and will detail the singer's private battle and journey back to performing on stage once again.