Canadian pop icon Celine Dion, who has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, opened up in her first interview since revealing the diagnosis, expressing that she is doing well but taking life “one day at a time.”
Dion, 56, shared in December 2022 that she has Stiff Person Syndrome, a condition characterized by stiff muscles in the torso, arms, and legs, often triggered by noise or emotional distress.
Featured on the cover of Vogue France’s May issue, she mentioned that she is “well” but managing her condition requires “a lot of work.”
“I undergo athletic, physical, and vocal therapy five days a week,” she explained.
While there is no cure for Stiff Person Syndrome, treatment can help alleviate symptoms. The disorder, which affects twice as many women as men, is progressive.
Last year, Dion had to cancel several scheduled shows due to her health. When asked about returning to the stage, she admitted uncertainty, saying, “I can’t answer that… My body will tell me.”
Dion surprised fans with an appearance at the Grammy Awards in February, where she presented the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift.
In January, she announced plans for a documentary about her condition, aiming to raise public awareness. Throughout her illustrious career, Dion has sold over 250 million albums.
Her “Courage World Tour” commenced in 2019, three years after the passing of her longtime manager and husband, Rene Angelil, at 73. The tour had completed 52 shows before the Covid-19 pandemic forced a halt.
