In December 2022, Celine Dion publicly acknowledged her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), necessitating the postponement of her tour. By December 2023, a reliable source informed Life & Style that Dion had begun to manage her disorder. However, a distressing update from her sister later that year suggested a deterioration in her condition.
Stiff-person syndrome is identified as a rare, progressively worsening neurological disorder by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Its symptoms are characterized by rigidity in the torso, arms, and legs, heightened sensitivity to stimuli leading to muscle spasms, and eventually, severe mobility limitations or inability to walk. This disorder disproportionally affects women twice as much as men. The root cause of SPS is still a mystery, but it’s commonly believed to be an autoimmune reaction, often occurring alongside other autoimmune conditions.
The specifics of when Dion was diagnosed with SPS are not clear, but she made her condition public in December 2022 through a heartfelt Instagram video. In this video, she expressed her apologies for not reaching out sooner, shared her ongoing health struggles, and explained the impact of SPS on her daily life, particularly her walking and singing abilities.
Celine Dion had to cancel her North American tour dates scheduled for January 2023 and postponed her European tour to the spring of 2024. In her message, she spoke about the challenges she faced in regaining her strength and performance ability, emphasizing her lifelong passion for singing and her commitment to her fans.
In a positive turn of events, by October 2023, Dion seemed to be doing better, as evidenced by her appearances at a hockey game in Las Vegas and at Katy Perry’s Las Vegas residency. A source revealed to Life & Style that Dion had been through a tough journey with her diagnosis, but with support from her family and medical team, she appeared to have her condition under control. However, she was aware of her limitations and was not ready to perform yet.
Despite these improvements, Dion’s sister Claudette Dion shared in December 2023 that Celine’s condition had worsened, losing control of her muscles. Claudette expressed her heartbreak over Celine’s struggles, given her disciplined nature and hard work, instilled by their mother. While there’s hope for Celine’s return to the stage, the capacity in which she can do so remains uncertain.
