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Celine Dion has always been known for her incredible vocals and emotional performances. But behind the music, the Canadian superstar has been battling a rare neurological disorder, Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Despite the challenges, the singer continues to show the world her resilience, offering glimmers of hope with each public update.
Celine Dion's rare diagnosis amid world tour:
In 2022, she postponed her European tour, citing persistent muscle spasms. She later admitted she was “doing a bit better,” but her recovery was “going very slow.”
That same year in December, she went public with her official diagnosis in a heartbreaking Instagram video. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you,” she said at the time. “I miss you all so much and I can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person... Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people.”
Her diagnosis explained years of physical struggles and marked a turning point in her career. The Courage World Tour was officially canceled in May 2023, which she described as a “tremendous disappointment.”
What is Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare and disabling autoimmune neurological condition that causes muscle stiffness, painful spasms, and hypersensitivity to stimuli such as sound and touch. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, SPS affects only about one in a million people and is often misdiagnosed due to its overlap with other conditions.
“It frequently is associated with muscle spasms, which could be quite severe. These can cause falls, severe pain and significant disability,” said Dr. Emile Sami Moukheiber from Johns Hopkins Medicine to CNN. “These spasms can be precipitated by startle, severe emotions, [or] cold weather.”
Celine Dion's health journey:
As the months went by, the singer remained committed to rebuilding her health, supported by a dedicated medical team and her three sons, René-Charles, Eddy, and Nelson.
“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,” she told fans in a December 2022 message. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and ability to perform again.”
By mid-2023, her sister Claudette offered a series of emotional updates to the media. “We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important,” she told Le Journal de Montréal in August. “She always tries to be the best... at one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It’s important to listen to it.”
Later, in December, she revealed to 7 Jours, “She’s working hard, but she doesn’t have control over her muscles… What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined. She’s always worked hard.”
Celine Dion's comeback in 2024:
After years of uncertainty, she made a surprise appearance at the Grammys in February 2024, presenting Album of the Year to Taylor Swift and receiving a standing ovation.
“When I say, I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” she said on stage. Just months later, in June, she attended the New York City premiere of her long-awaited documentary, 'I Am: Celine Dion.' She told the audience how special it felt to be back in front of a crowd.
Speaking to TODAY’s Hoda Kotb, she made it clear that she’s not giving up. "My voice will be rebuilt,” she said. “I believe in myself, in my bravery.”
She added, “I know that I have a good team right now (who will say), ‘No show tonight.’ It’s going to be hard. It will probably happen... But I’m going to come onstage because I’m ready. And my vocal cords will not scare me because I’m going to be ready, and I’m going to hit those notes."
Her doctor, Dr. Amanda Piquet, confirmed that she had made “significant progress” with treatment since filming the documentary. In July 2024, she returned to the stage at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. There, she performed “Hymne à L’Amour” from the Eiffel Tower.
Celine Dion's latest health update:
In March 2025, she took fans behind the scenes of her recovery. She posted a cheerful Instagram video of herself dancing and playing golf with her three sons. “I had a beautiful day with my boys out on the course…. Getting back into the swing of things!! Celine x,” she wrote.
In May 2025, she returned to another iconic stage, Eurovision. She delivered a pre-recorded message at the contest’s semifinal in Basel, Switzerland, 37 years after her victory representing the country in 1988.
“Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart,” she said. “Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me… Dear Eurovision family and contestants. I’d love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now… Music unites us… I love you all.”
Her speech was followed by a live rendition of her winning song, “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi,” performed by several past contestants. While there’s no cure for Stiff Person Syndrome, the iconic artist continues to fight.