Celine Dion Reveals Devastating Incurable Diagnosis – ‘I Have No Choice’

The singer Celine Dion has sadly announced that she has been diagnosed with the rare neurological condition that is known as Stiff Person Syndrome, which has no cure. She has been left with “no choice” but to postpone her upcoming European tour. 

Dion’s Devastating Diagnosis 

Daily Mail reported that SPS affects around one in a million people, and it causes a person’s muscles to tense uncontrollably. It eventually leaves those who suffer from it as “human statues,” locking the body into such rigid positions that sufferers ultimately can’t walk and talk.

There is no cure for SPS, but the progression of the condition can be slowed with various treatments, and Dion assured her fans that she is doing everything she can to minimize the symptoms. 

Dion, 54, revealed this diagnosis to the world on Thursday morning in an emotional video posted to social media. 

“Hello everyone, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you,” Dion said. “I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I’m ready now.”

“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it has been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” she continued. “Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome, which affects one in a million people.”

“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having,” she added. 

Related: James Corden and Céline Dion Recreate Iconic ‘Titanic’ Scene In Carpool Karaoke

SPS Affects ‘Every Aspect’ Of Dion’s Life

The Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation states that the condition severely impacts the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.

“Patients can be disabled, wheelchair bound or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves,” the foundation said, with symptoms including “hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety,” and muscle spasms “so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones.”

In her video, Dion went on to talk about the devastating impact this diagnosis has had on her life.

“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” she said. “It hurts me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”

Dion then said that she is being supported by her children and a “great team of doctors” as she tries to fight this condition. She shares a 21 year-old son and 11 year-old twin boys with her late husband René Angélil, who died in 2016 at the age of 73. 

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‘All I Know Is Singing’

“All I know is singing it’s what I’ve done all my life and its what I love to do the most,” she stated. “I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you. I always give 100 percent when I do my show but my condition is now allowing me to give you that right now.”

“For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment, and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery,” Dion added. “This is my focus, and I’m doing everything I can to recuperate.”

Dion ended the video with a heartfelt message to her fans. 

“I want to thank you so much for your wishes and love and support on my social media,” she concluded. “This means a lot to me. Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon.”

People Magazine reported that Dion has postponed her tour that was scheduled for the spring of 2023 to 2024. She had initially rescheduled her tour because of the pandemic, and then did so again in January because of what we now know was this condition.

Dion is one of the most talented singers alive today, and we can only hope that she is somehow able to overcome this horrifying diagnosis in the years to come. Please join us in saying a prayer for her.