Celine Dion is sharing her journey with a neurological disorder as she prepares for the release of her documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion.”
The documentary, scheduled to debut on Prime Video on June 25, chronicles the Quebecois pop icon’s battle with stiff person syndrome, a progressive condition causing muscle stiffness and painful spasms.
The 56-year-old singer disclosed her diagnosis in December 2022, citing the rare illness as the reason behind canceling all her tour dates in subsequent months.
In recent weeks, Dion has stepped back into the limelight to discuss her efforts to return to performing. Here’s what she’s revealed so far:
Struggle with Vocal Control: Dion described enduring “years of panic” trying to manage her voice after symptoms began. She recounted a throat spasm during her 2008 Taking Chances tour as the onset of a prolonged struggle to comprehend the changes in her body and her once-illustrious voice. Despite employing various remedies, including steam, asthma treatments, and potent medications, she found adapting her singing style necessary as stress compounded her symptoms.
Response to False Reports: Dion expressed her motivation for the documentary partly stemmed from false reports of her death circulating on social media a few years ago. She shared how distressing it was for her children to encounter such rumors and emphasized the importance of her family understanding the severity of her condition.
Preparedness at Home: Dion disclosed that her twin sons, Nelson and Eddy, engage in “crisis” drills at home, and the house is equipped with panic buttons for emergencies. She detailed the physical pain and rigidity she experiences during episodes and highlighted her efforts to ensure her sons are equipped to assist her when needed.
Struggle with Medication: Dion admitted to relying on near-lethal doses of Valium to cope with symptoms before her diagnosis. She revealed taking up to 90 milligrams a day at one point, unaware of the potential fatal consequences. With medical support, she gradually tapered off the drug when it ceased to be effective.
Commitment to Returning to the Stage: Despite her challenges, Dion remains determined to return to performing. She outlined her rigorous five-day regimen of athletic, physical, and vocal therapy, expressing her resolve to give her best effort in her recovery journey.
Dion’s openness about her health struggles offers insight into her resilience and determination to overcome obstacles as she continues her journey in the spotlight.
