Months after her last health update, Céline Dion’s sister had made a devastating revelation about the singer.
As most of her fans will know, renowned Canadian singer Céline Dion has been grappling with a neurological disorder known as stiff person syndrome, which has severely impacted her mobility.
Dion has kept herself well away from the spotlight since her diagnosis was made public, going more than three years without being photographed in public before being spotted again just last month.
In December 2022, the singer revealed she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrom, a rare neurological condition that affects a person’s muscles.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having,” she said in an emotional video at the time.
Now, according to her older sister Claudette, Céline’s condition has left her without control over her muscles. In an interview with 7 Jours, Claudette expressed her concern, stating (via the Daily Mail): “She’s working hard, but she doesn’t have control over her muscles. What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined.”
Claudette also highlighted that Céline has a strong work ethic and discipline, but emphasized she was struggling with the challenges posed by the progressive and incurable nature of stiff person syndrome. The disorder causes the body to attack its own nerve cells, leading to muscle control issues. Despite Celine’s relentless efforts, her sister revealed the heartbreaking reality of the situation, saying: “It’s true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know.”
Research into stiff person syndrome is ongoing, but due to its rarity, progress has been slow. Claudette said that there is currently limited understanding of the condition, explaining: “The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle. This is what comes to get me. Because it’s 1 out of a million cases, the scientists haven’t done that much research because it didn’t affect that many people.”
Céline’s family charity, Fondation Maman Dion, has received an outpouring of support from fans. Claudette shared: “People tell us they love her and they’re praying for her. She gets so many messages, presents, and blessed crucifixes.”
Stiff person syndrome can turn sufferers into ‘human statues,’ affecting their ability to walk or talk. While the condition is rare, its impact on individuals can be severe, sometimes leading to fractures due to spasms. Claudette revealed that Céline, despite working with top researchers, has seen little improvement in her health, but maintaining hope remains crucial.
In response to rumors circulating on social media, Claudette refuted claims that Céline is wheelchair-bound and struggling to move. “Why do they say she is in a wheelchair? Why do they say she had cancer? Why are you inventing?” she told showbizz.net.
Despite the challenges posed by stiff person syndrome, Céline has not given up on her plans to return to the stage. “I know that morally, mentally, she is strong,” Claudette admitted. “She is not depressed at all … she really has the joy of living. We will get through this.” Céline is reportedly following her doctors’ care plan in Denver, and she’s clearly determined to make a comeback.
