Céline Dion, the iconic singer known for her powerful voice and chart-topping hits, has opened up about her health struggles in her new documentary, "I Am: Celine Dion." The documentary, which is now streaming on Amazon's Prime Video, provides an unfiltered look at her battle with a rare autoimmune neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome (SPS). This condition has significantly impacted her ability to perform and led to a series of personal and professional challenges.
In one of the most poignant moments of the documentary, Dion insisted on including footage of herself experiencing a severe seizure during a physical therapy session in 2022. Despite the painful and vulnerable nature of the footage, she believed it was important for viewers to see the reality of living with SPS. As Dion convulses and moans in pain on a massage table, a man asks if she wants the cameras turned off. Dion, ever the professional, mouths, "I'm OK."
Director Irene Taylor recounted the intensity of the moment in an interview with Yahoo. "Her therapist saw the [medical] episode coming on, and within 30 seconds there was no going back," Taylor said. "We just responded as quickly as we could." Taylor held a microphone close to Dion to monitor her breathing, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "It was very upsetting. But Céline felt validated to see herself like that and thought it would help others understand what [SPS] is like," she added.
Dion's determination to continue her career despite her condition is evident throughout the documentary. "I still see myself dance and sing. I always find Plan B and Plan C, you know. That's me. If I can't run, I'll walk. If I can't walk, I'll crawl. But I won't stop. I won't stop," Dion declared. Her resilience shines through as she navigates the challenges posed by SPS.
The singer's condition has forced her to withdraw from the public eye more frequently, although she made a brief appearance at the 2024 Grammys and attended the premiere of her documentary earlier this month. The documentary also features heartfelt moments with her three sons, René-Charles, 23, and 13-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy. Taylor mentioned that Dion used the documentary as a teaching tool for her children to help them understand her condition better.
Dion's health struggles began to significantly affect her in 2021, leading to the cancellation of her much-anticipated concert residency in Las Vegas. She publicly announced her diagnosis in December 2022, explaining that SPS causes spasms that interfere with her daily life and her ability to sing. "Before I got really hit with SPS, my voice was the conductor of my life. I was following it," Dion said in the documentary. She described the initial symptoms and the fear they induced, saying, "I got to a point that I couldn't walk anymore. It was hard to walk. A lot of pain. And I can't use my voice yet."
The documentary also reveals the extent of Dion's medical treatment, including her use of medications like Valium to manage her symptoms. "I was to 80 milligrams to 90 milligrams of Valium a day. That's just one medicine," Dion said. "I don't want to sound dramatic, but I could've died." The medication was necessary for her to function, but it came with its own set of challenges and risks.
Throughout the film, Dion's connection with her fans is a recurring theme. She expressed the emotional toll of having to cancel shows and disappoint her supporters. "It's not hard to do a show, you know? It's hard to cancel a show," she said. Dion likened herself to an apple tree, wanting to provide the best for her fans but struggling as her health deteriorated.
The documentary also offers a glimpse into Dion's home life, showcasing her role as a mother and her interactions with her sons. It includes home video footage from throughout her career and personal life, providing a comprehensive look at the woman behind the superstar persona.
One of the most harrowing scenes in the documentary shows Dion having a seizure while being examined by her sports medicine therapist. As she experiences spasms and pain, her therapist and medical team work to stabilize her. Reflecting on the incident, Dion said, "Every time something like this happens, it makes you feel so embarrassed... to not have control of yourself."
Despite the challenges, Dion remains hopeful and determined. "I still see myself dance and sing. And I always find plan B and C, you know? That's me. If I can't run, I'll walk. If I can't walk, I'll crawl. But I won't stop. I won't stop," she concluded.
"I Am: Celine Dion" is a raw and powerful portrayal of a beloved artist's fight against a debilitating condition, underscoring her resilience and unwavering spirit. As fans watch the documentary, they gain a deeper understanding of Dion's struggles and the immense strength it takes to face them head-on.
