Canadian megastar Celine Dion has sold out stadiums, topped worldwide charts and broken records with her award-winning voice. But for the last two years, the singer has been robbed of her talent by stiff person syndrome (SPS) – a devastating neurological disorder that causes spasms, muscle rigidity and chronic pain.
“Last year, I got to a point where I couldn’t walk,” she says in a new TV documentary, breaking down in tears. “I was losing my balance a lot and I can’t use my voice yet. Music – I miss it a lot.”
Celine, 56, opens up about her struggles with SPS in her Amazon Prime Video special I Am: Celine Dion. Filmed after she was forced to cancel her 2021 Las Vegas residency, the 100-minute documentary sees Celine talk about her health, the impact SPS has had on her career, and the reality of her day-to-day life.
In one harrowing scene, Celine visits her physiotherapist after her first day of singing in two years and suddenly suffers a seizure. “She’s spasming and it could lead to a crisis,” her physio tells the camera, as Celine begins wailing and shaking. After being given emergency medication and coming to, Celine says, “Every time this happens it makes you feel so embarrassed. You don’t like to not have control of yourself.”
Celine announced in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome – however, she admits that she first began experiencing symptoms nearly two decades earlier.
“I started to have voice spasms 17 years ago, that’s how it started,” she says. “After having my breakfast, my voice started to go up and it freaked me out.”
It’s then that the muscle spasms began to affect her ability to sing. “When I try to breathe, my lungs are fine. It’s what’s in front of my lungs that is rigid because of SPS. I know what I want my voice to do,” says Celine, and as she sings, her voice cracks. “That’s what happens and it’s very difficult for me to hear.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event