Celebrated Canadian songstress Celine Dion has reaffirmed her commitment to gracing the stage once again, undeterred by her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.
In an interview on the Today Show with host Hoda Kotb, the 56-year-old singer expressed her unwavering determination to perform live, even if it means adopting unconventional methods due to her health condition.
“I’m going to go back on stage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will. I will,” Dion declared.
Celine first disclosed her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome in December 2022. This rare neurological disorder causes stiffness and spasms in muscles, particularly in the torso, arms, and legs, often triggered by noise or emotional stress.
She revealed that she had been privately battling the condition for 17 years before making it public. Dion has been grappling with symptoms since 2008, describing the sensation as akin to “being strangled.”
Alongside stiffness, the singer also copes with frequent cramps and has endured broken ribs due to the syndrome’s severity. Last year, she canceled a series of shows scheduled for 2023 and 2024, citing her lack of strength to embark on a tour then.
When questioned about her prospects of returning to the stage, Dion told Vogue France that she cannot provide a definitive answer at the moment, indicating the uncertainties surrounding her condition.
Despite her health setbacks, Celine Dion remains a titan in the music realm, having sold over 250 million albums throughout her illustrious career.
Her unwavering resolve to surmount Stiff Person Syndrome and resume performing underscores her enduring love for music and her unwavering commitment to her fans.
