Celine Dion’s Sister Shares New Details About The Singer’s Health

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One year after sharing she was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, Celine Dion can no longer control certain body movements.

At the age of 55, Celine Dion is experiencing a loss of muscle control while confronting stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder, according to information shared by her sister.

SPS is “a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that most commonly causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

“She doesn’t have control over her muscles,” Claudette Dion, Celine’s sister, told Canadian outlet 7 Jours, via translation from French. “What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined. She’s always worked hard. Our mother always told her, ‘You’re going to do it well, you’re going to do it properly.'”

Celine Dion with her sister Claudette.
Celine, pictured right, with sister Claudette, pictured left, in 1995. Courtesy of smoothradio.com

Claudette also noted, “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.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Celine Dion performs live at Barclaycard Presents British Summer Time Hyde Park at Hyde Park on July 5, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Brian Rasic/WireImage)
Brian Rasic / WireImage via Getty Images

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The recent update on the Canadian star’s condition arrives a year after she disclosed her diagnosis and just weeks following her first public appearance in almost four years. In late October, the singer was seen at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, joyfully cheering on the Montreal Canadiens during their game against the Vegas Golden Knights with 22-year-old son and 13-year-old twins.

Celine Dion and her 3 sons attend a hockey game together. PHOTO: CELINE DION/ INSTAGRAM
Celine Dion / Instagram

As the mom of three explained, her condition has grown to “affect every aspect of my daily life.”

“Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk,” she continued, “and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”

Dion first opened up about her diagnosis back in December 2022, saying she had to reschedule tour dates that had already been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

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A post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion)

In May 2023, she announced she was canceling the remaining dates of her Courage World Tour due to her health issues.

“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again,” Dion wrote in an Instagram post, announcing the news. “I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%. It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again.”

“I want you all to know, I’m not giving up,” she added, “and I can’t wait to see you again!”

Our heartfelt best wishes go out to Dion and her family during this challenging time. We hope for her recovery and good health!

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Manly Bryant

Throughout his over a decade-long career at Country Rebel, Manly Bryant has written thousands of articles, managed countless social media posts, connected with many country music stars in person, and documented many of the most iconic moments in country music history. Whether heโ€™s covering a sold-out stadium show or spotlighting an up-and-coming artist, Manly brings…

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