Iconic singer Celine Dion has seen her health continue to decline amid her battle with a neurological disorder. The illness, known as stiff person syndrome, forced the singer to cancel her world tour scheduled for February this year.
Her sister has now confirmed that although she is “working hard” to get back to her best, she “doesn’t have control over her muscles. She also shared that many fans have continued to send in their love and support for Dion since she first revealed her diagnosis.
Celine Dion Has Lost Control Over Her Muscles
Celine Dion’s sister, Claudette, recently shared an update about the singer’s health amid her struggle with stiff person syndrome.
Claudette revealed that Dion is diligently working on her recovery, just as the singer pledged in an emotional Instagram video in English and French when she informed fans of her condition. However, her efforts haven’t contributed much to her recovery, and she is now unable to “control” her muscles.
“What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined,’ the renowned singer’s sister said in an interview with 7 Jours, per the Daily Mail. “She’s always worked hard. Our mother always told her, ‘You’re going to do it well, you’re going to do it properly.’”
She added, “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.”
Celine Dion Is Still Receiving Support From Fans
According to Claudette, Dion’s condition is rare, affecting around one out of a million people. Stiff person syndrome lacks a precise known cause, but researchers suspect it to be an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks healthy cells without clear reasons.
As such, the limited research on the illness has made it difficult to find a solution that might help Dion cope with its symptoms, such as limb stiffness, painful muscle spasms, walking difficulties, and sensory issues.
Although Dion has since been low-key in the wake of her diagnosis, she has continued to receive support from her fans via her family charity, Fondation Maman Dion.
Claudette said, ‘Some people have lost hope because it’s all illness that isn’t well known. If only you knew the number of phone calls the Foundation gets about Celine! People tell us they love her, and they’re praying for her. She gets so many messages, presents and blessed crucifixes.”
When Did Celine Dion Reveal Her Stiff-Person Syndrome Diagnosis?
The new update about Dion’s health comes over a year after the singer broke the news of her condition to fans.
Back in December 2022, she opened up to fans in a teary video, which she used as an opportunity to announce the cancellation of the European portion of her tour scheduled for February 2023.
Dion said that she had been “dealing with problems with her health for a long time” prior to being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome. She added that the spasms caused by her illness affect “every aspect of her daily life,” sometimes causing walking difficulties and preventing her from properly using her vocal cords.
“I have to admit it’s been a struggle. All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life…” the singer continued in the video. “I have hope that I am on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I am doing everything that I can to recuperate.
The Legendary Singer Recently Made A Public Appearance
Last month, Dion made her first public appearance in three years, attending a hockey game in Las Vega’s T-Mobile Arena. Per reports, the singer appeared to be in good spirits while cheering on her home team, the Montreal Canadiens, who were playing against the Vegas Golden Knights.
For the outing, Dion wore a chic white gilet and came along with her sons René-Charles, 22, and 13-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy.
Later on, the trio visited the locker room to interact with the Montreal Canadiens squad. Dion also took the time to pose for a picture with the VP of the team, Chantal Machabee. The picture eventually made it to Machabee’s social media page, eliciting a joyous reaction from fans of the singer.