In December 2023, Celine Dion announced that she was suffering from a serious neurological disorder. Stiff person syndrome affects every aspect of her everyday life, she said. The singer also had to cancel her planned “Courage” world tour due to illness. Just a few weeks ago, the Canadian appeared in public for the first time in three and a half years when she attended a hockey game in Las Vegas. Now her sister Claudette gave an update on Dion’s health.
“The vocal cords are muscles”
“She works hard, but she has no control over her muscles,” Claudette told Canada’s “7 Jours.” She continues, explaining that her sister always worked hard and was disciplined. “It is true that the goal in both our dreams and theirs is to return to the stage. In which form? I don’t know.” It is currently unclear whether and when Céline Dion can return to the stage. Because stiff person syndrome also affects singing: “Vocal cords are muscles,” explained Claudette. Since the disease is very rare, “not much research has been done yet.”
Stiff Person Syndrome
Stiff Person Syndrome, which Celine Dion was diagnosed with, is a rare and incurable neurological disorder that can cause debilitating muscle spasms. It affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. The Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation explains: “The neurological disorder can include symptoms such as rigidity, debilitating pain and chronic anxiety. Muscle spasms can become so severe that they can dislocate joints and even break bones.”