Celine Dion breaks down in tears over harrowing stiff-person syndrome struggle
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Celine Dion was seen breaking down in tears as she opened up about her health issues, admitting she has been ‘struggling’.
The music icon, 56, was forced to cancel a string of concerts before revealing that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in 2022 – and has been working hard on her recovery ever since.
The My Heart Will Go On singer took a step back from the spotlight to focus on her health, but has fronted a candid new Amazon Prime Video documentary, taking fans behind the scenes of the last few years.
In the trailer for I Am: Celine Dion – which is released on June 25 – she gave a glimpse into her illness, which affects the central nervous system and is said to turn people into ‘human statues’.
‘My voice is the conductor of my life. When your voice brings you joy, you’re the best of yourself. I need my instrument,’ she said in a voiceover.
‘I see my life and I love every piece of it.’
Celine Dion broke down in tears as she opened up about her struggles (Picture: Amazon Prime Video)
Following clips of iconic performances, audio of a concerning 911 phone call could be heard playing amid footage showing Celine taking various medications.
‘I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder and I wasn’t ready to say anything before,’ she told the camera. ‘But I’m ready now.’
Revealing the toll that the diagnosis had taken, Celine became emotional as she vowed to return to the stage for her fans.
‘It’s not hard to do a show, it’s hard to cancel a show,’ she insisted through tears. ‘I’m working hard every day but I have to admit, it’s been a struggle. I miss it so much, the people, I miss them.
Celine shared the news of her condition in 2022 (Picture: Amazon Prime Video)
She vowed that she would ‘crawl’ back to the stage if she had to (Picture: Amazon Prime Video)
‘If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop.’
The official synopsis for the upcoming documentary reads: ‘I Am: Celine Dion gives us a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar’s struggle with a life-altering illness.
‘Serving as a love letter to her fans, this inspirational documentary highlights the music that has guided her life while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.’
Celine vowed she is ‘ready now’ to discuss her ordeal (Picture: Amazon Prime Video)
Celine first spoke out about stiff-person syndrome in December, 2022, after she canceled a string of tour dates on doctor’s orders.
At the time, she told fans that she had been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune movement disorder that affects the central nervous system.
There is currently no known cure for the condition.
Following her announcement, the All By Myself singer has rarely been seen in public – with the exception of the recent Grammy Awards.
In March, she marked stiff-person syndrome day with a rare photo beside her three sons, René-Charles, Nelson and Eddy, who she shares with late husband René Angélil.
What is stiff-person syndrome?
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune movement disorder that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
SPS is characterised by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms. Stiff-person syndrome is extremely rare.
Only about one out of every one million people have been diagnosed with this syndrome. Twice as many women have stiff person syndrome as men. Symptoms can occur at any age but usually develop between ages 30 and 60.
‘Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible,’ she captioned the Instagram upload.
‘I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!
‘I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it! Love Celine xx…’
I Am: Celine Dion is available to stream on Prime Video on June 25.
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