Céline Dion is opening up about the private health battle she hid for nearly two decades before finally receiving a diagnosis that changed her life.
The Grammy-winning singer told Harper’s Bazaar that she experienced symptoms of stiff-person syndrome for about 17 years before doctors diagnosed her in August 2022. The rare neurological disorder causes severe muscle stiffness and painful, unpredictable spasms. For Dion, the symptoms became so intense that she sometimes struggled to walk and relied on high doses of Valium “simply to function,” according to the magazine.
“It is a progressive condition,” Dion said. “I don’t like to say ‘disease.’”
For years, fans only saw part of what was happening. Dion canceled shows and stepped away from performing, at times citing sinus infections or coughs. Behind the scenes, she was facing a far more serious struggle that affected her body, her voice and her daily life.
Harper’s Bazaar reported that Dion felt guilt over the public explanations for her cancellations. As her symptoms worsened around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she also withdrew from public view. The magazine noted that she worried fans might question her canceled concerts if they saw her out living her life.
Dion first shared her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis publicly in December 2022 through an emotional Instagram video.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” she said at the time. “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.”
After revealing the diagnosis, Dion postponed several European concerts. In May 2023, she canceled the rest of her Courage World Tour, including all remaining 2023 and 2024 dates.
Since then, Dion has been working through an intense recovery plan. Harper’s Bazaar reported that her treatment includes medication, physical and vocal therapy, immunotherapy, Pilates and ballet. As she prepares for her next chapter, she has added 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week, along with ballet classes on other days.
Her public return has been slow but meaningful. In February 2024, Dion appeared at the Grammy Awards to present album of the year to Taylor Swift. Months later, she promoted her documentary, “I Am: Céline Dion,” and attended its New York premiere.
Then came one of her most powerful comeback moments. Dion performed Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” from the Eiffel Tower during the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
Now, she is preparing for a five-week residency in Paris beginning next month.
“This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life,” Dion said in a video. “I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September!”
“I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously a little nervous, but most of all, I’m grateful to all of you!” she added. “I love you all and I’ll see you soon!”
For fans who have prayed for her healing and waited for her return, Dion’s comeback is more than a performance. It is a reminder of perseverance, honesty and gratitude after years of pain.
“It’s been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I’ve missed them,” she said.