In December 2022, Grammy-winning singer Celine Dion announced that she was taking a break from her professional commitments to focus on her health after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS). Since then, she has stopped performing or going on concert tours. In an interview with “Vogue,” Dion revealed that she spends five days a week in athletics, physical therapy, and vocal treatments: “I work on my toes, knees, calves, fingers, singing, my voice,” she said. “I have to learn to live with this situation now and stop wondering why it happened.”
Dion explained that the cause of her illness is unknown: “As I see it, I have two options. Either I train like an athlete and work very hard or I give up and it’s over. I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of the mirror and sing to myself. I chose to work with my whole body and soul from head to toe with a medical team.” What helped Dion the most was the love from her family and fans along with first-class medical care as a singer in her financial position could afford herself: “People who suffer from SPS may not be lucky enough or do not have the means to get good doctors and treatments. I am one of those people who is fortunate enough to have these means.”
Despite not being able to promise fans that she will return to live performances anytime soon, Dion did not rule out the possibility either. She told French Vogue: “As things stand now, I can’t stand here and tell you ‘Yes’ in four months. My body will tell me.” However, what gives her hope is the desire within herself: “One thing that will never stop is my desire.”
A new documentary titled “Me: Celine Dion” is set for release later this year on Prime Video (Amazon). According to the official synopsis, the film documents over a year of footage in which Dion navigates her way through an open and authentic life while battling SPS.