Celine Dion has revealed that she has been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that causes muscle stiffness and spasms. Despite this new challenge, Dion remains one of the most successful and beloved singers in the world.
You can read a transcript of the statement below.
“Hello everyone. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much. And I 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’s bee really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through. Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome which effects something like one in a million people. While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having. Unfortunately, these spasms effect 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. It hurts me to tell you today, this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February. I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better, and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope. I’m working hard with my support medicine therapist every day, to build back my strength and my ability to perform again. But I have to admit it’s been a struggle. All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life. And it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you. Being on the stage, performing for you. I always give a hundred percent when I do my shows, but my condition is not 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. This is my focus. And I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate. I want to thank you so much for your encouraging wishes of love and support on my social media. 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.”
Born in 1968 in Quebec, Canada, Dion began her career as a teenage singer, winning a local talent contest in 1982 and releasing her first album, “La voix du bon Dieu,” at the age of 13. She quickly became a household name in Quebec, and by the 1990s, she had achieved international stardom with hits like “The Power of Love” and “My Heart Will Go On.”
Over the course of her career, Dion has sold over 200 million records, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time. She has won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “Falling into You,” and has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song for “My Heart Will Go On.” She has also been recognized for her charitable work, receiving the National Order of Quebec and the Order of Canada for her contributions to music and humanitarian efforts.
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