Céline Dion has spoken about a lengthy health battle she kept from fans before finally receiving a significant diagnosis. The 58-year-old singer, recently featured on the cover of the Harper’s Bazaar Global Icons issue, shared she experienced symptoms of stiff-person syndrome for 17 years before her diagnosis in August 2022.
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder marked by severe muscle stiffness and unpredictable, painful spasms. Dion mentioned that symptoms often left her struggling to walk and dependent on high doses of Valium to function.
“It is a progressive condition,” Dion stated to Harper’s Bazaar, opting not to refer to it as a ‘disease.’ She also dealt with guilt about attributing canceled shows to minor illnesses while privately experiencing severe symptoms.
Dion’s health issues worsened around the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing her to withdraw from the public due to concerns of fan speculation over canceled concerts.
She first publicly discussed her stiff-person syndrome in December 2022 via Instagram. “We’re still learning about this rare condition, but we now know it’s causing all the spasms,” Dion explained. The spasms impact daily life, often making it challenging to walk and affecting her ability to sing.
Following her diagnosis, she postponed several European concerts and canceled many others. In May 2023, she canceled the remaining dates of her Courage World Tour for 2023 and 2024.
Dion has since engaged in a rigorous rehabilitation program, aiming for a stage comeback. Her regimen includes medication, physical and vocal therapy, and immunotherapy.
In February 2024, Dion returned to the public stage at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. She presented Taylor Swift’s award for album of the year, marking her first stage appearance since 2020.
During that summer, Dion promoted her documentary, “I Am: Céline Dion,” and attended its New York premiere. In July, she performed at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, singing Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour.”
In November 2024, Dion performed at Elie Saab’s 1001 Seasons fashion show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, she announced her 58th birthday plans to headline a five-week residency in Paris starting next month.
“This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift,” Dion said. “I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you again in Paris! I’m feeling good, strong, and excited, a little nervous, but most of all, I’m grateful to you all!”
As she prepares for her Paris residency, Dion now includes 90-minute Pilates sessions thrice weekly and ballet classes in her recovery plan.
The singer emphasized that reconnecting with fans is central to her comeback, expressing how she wants to offer them something after such a long time apart.
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