In a candid interview with Vogue France, music icon Celine Dion, 56, has opened up about her ongoing battle with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune disorder that forced her to cancel her world tour and put her illustrious career on hold. Diagnosed in December 2022, Dion admits that dealing with the muscle spasm disorder is "a lot of work" and that she is taking her recovery "one day at a time."
"Five days a week, I undergo athletic, physical, and vocal therapy. I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself," Dion revealed, highlighting the rigorous treatment regimen she has undertaken to manage her condition. The "My Heart Will Go On" singer initially struggled with self-doubt and questioning, asking herself, "Why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault?" However, she has come to accept the journey she's been put on, stating, "Life doesn't give you any answers. You just have to live it!"
Despite the challenges, Dion remains determined to overcome SPS and return to the stage. "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!" she declared. However, when asked about her timeline for returning to performing, the chart-topper admitted that the road ahead may be longer than expected. "I can't answer that.... Because for four years I've been saying to myself that I'm not going back, that I'm ready, that I'm not ready," she revealed, indicating that her health had been declining even before her official diagnosis.
Dion, who has three children - son René-Charles Angélil, 23, and 13-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy - with her late husband René Angélil, emphasized that her body will ultimately dictate when she can return to the stage. "As things stand, I can't stand here and say to you: 'Yes, in four months.' I don't know... My body will tell me," she said.
In the interview, Dion also shared her hopes for a miracle cure for SPS. "I haven't beat the disease, as it's still within me and always will be," she admitted. "I hope that we'll find a miracle, a way to cure it with scientific research, but for now I have to learn to live with it. So that's me, now with Stiff Person Syndrome."
The singer recognizes that she has two choices in the face of her diagnosis: "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." Dion has chosen the former, working tirelessly with her medical team to be the best she can be.
Dion also acknowledged the support of her family, fans, and team in helping her through this difficult time. "Above all, the love of my family and my children, the love of the fans too, and the support of my team," she said, emphasizing the importance of their unwavering support.
The "Power of Love" artist recently shared a heartfelt post celebrating International SPS Awareness Day, aiming to better inform the world about the central nervous system disorder. "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!" she wrote.
