Céline Dion is gearing up for her upcoming five-week residency in Paris, set to commence next month, and is shedding light on her battle with illness and the treatments she has been undergoing. The renowned Canadian singer recently shared in an exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar that she had been experiencing symptoms of stiff person syndrome for 17 years before receiving an official diagnosis in 2022 for the rare neurological autoimmune disorder.
The excruciating pain, which started intensifying in 2020, was sometimes so severe that it hindered her ability to walk, as she revealed to the magazine. At certain points, she had to rely on a high dosage of Valium just to manage daily activities.
Stiff person syndrome is a progressive condition that tends to worsen over time, affecting only a small fraction of the population. Its symptoms include muscle rigidity and painful spasms triggered by stress, loud noises, or sudden movements. Despite the lack of a known cause and specific approved treatment, various therapies can help alleviate the symptoms.
Prior to her diagnosis, whenever Dion had to cancel a performance, she would attribute it to reasons like a cough or sinus infection, concealing the true extent of her suffering. This led her to feel a sense of dishonesty towards her fans, the very individuals whose unwavering support enabled her to seek extensive medical care later on.
Following her diagnosis, Dion made the difficult decision to cancel all her remaining shows. She has been absent from public performances since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games but is now preparing to make a comeback on stage in September.
Dion has been diligently following a rigorous recovery routine, which includes medications, physical therapy, vocal exercises, and immunotherapy. Additionally, she has been engaging in 90-minute Pilates sessions thrice a week and ballet classes twice a week to ready herself for her upcoming shows.
Described by reporter Jazmine Hughes in Harper’s as someone always on the move, Dion appears to be wary of staying still for too long, fearing a recurrence of her symptoms. She views her recovery and the opportunity to perform again as a miracle that she deeply appreciates and does not take for granted.
As she looks ahead to her Paris residency, consisting of 26 concerts scheduled from September 12 to May 29 next year, Dion expressed feelings of strength, excitement, and a hint of nervousness but affirmed her readiness to return to the stage.