Céline Dion is ready to discuss her ongoing health struggles.
In a trailer for her upcoming documentary, “I Am: Céline Dion,” she reveals how her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome has impacted her life.
“I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder and I wasn’t ready to say anything before,” Dion says in the trailer. “But I’m ready now.”
She reflects on her life, expressing love for every part of it, and acknowledges the challenges she faces. “It’s not hard to do a show. It’s hard to cancel the show. I’m working hard every day. But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle. I miss it so much.”
In a new interview with Vogue, Dion detailed her early symptoms, including difficulty controlling her voice, leading her to consult an ENT.
Despite no vocal cord issues being found, she continued performing but later experienced muscle stiffness and difficulty walking.
The pandemic in 2020 gave her time to seek answers, leading to her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome. “It probably sounds very strange to say this to you, but when I was diagnosed, I was happy. I was finally able to move with the wave, not against it,” she explained.
Her documentary, “I Am: Céline Dion,” described as a “love letter to her fans,” will stream on Amazon Prime Video starting June 25. She will also give an exclusive interview with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb on June 11 at 10 p.m. ET, her first since announcing her diagnosis.
Dion initially revealed her condition in a heartfelt Instagram video in December 2022, explaining that the disorder causes stiffness and muscle spasms, impacting her mobility and ability to sing. This led to the cancellation of her tour planned for February 2023.
In May 2023, she announced the cancellation of the rest of her world tour due to health issues. She expressed her disappointment and commitment to rebuilding her strength in a statement on her website, emphasizing her desire to return to the stage when fully ready.
Dion made a rare public appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, receiving a standing ovation.
She has been active on social media, sharing moments from the awards and with family and friends, including a recent photo with Mick Jagger and her sons at a Rolling Stones concert in Las Vegas.
In a recent interview with Vogue France, Dion expressed hope for a cure through scientific research but acknowledged the need to adapt to her condition for now.
