Céline Dion is gearing up for her upcoming five-week residency in Paris and has opened up further about her battle with illness and the treatments she has been undergoing. The renowned Canadian singer shared in an exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar that she had been experiencing symptoms of stiff person syndrome for 17 years before being officially diagnosed with the rare neurological autoimmune disorder in 2022.
The excruciating pain, which intensified in 2020, often left her struggling to walk on certain days, requiring high doses of Valium for relief. Stiff person syndrome is a progressive condition that typically worsens over time, affecting only a small fraction of the population. Its symptoms include muscle stiffness and painful spasms triggered by stress, loud noises, or sudden movements. Despite no definitive cause or approved treatment for the disorder, various therapies can help manage its effects.
Before receiving her diagnosis, Dion would attribute show cancellations to minor ailments like coughs or sinus infections, concealing the true extent of her suffering. She expressed feeling a sense of dishonesty towards her fans, whose unwavering support enabled her to seek extensive treatment.
Following her diagnosis, Dion halted all scheduled performances, with her last public appearance dating back to the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, she is now making preparations to make a comeback in September.
Dion has been following a rigorous recovery routine comprising medication, physical therapy, vocal exercises, and immunotherapy. Additionally, she has been engaging in 90-minute Pilates sessions thrice weekly and ballet classes twice weekly in anticipation of her upcoming shows.
Described as constantly in motion by reporter Jazmine Hughes in the Harper’s profile, Dion expressed gratitude for her recovery and the opportunity to return to the stage, considering it a miraculous turnaround. She emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment and the privilege of being able to perform again.
Feeling strong, enthusiastic, and slightly apprehensive, Dion is eager to resume her performances in Paris, where she is scheduled to hold a series of 26 concerts from September 12 to May 29 next year.
