Celine Dion, the ace Canadian-born singer, has opened up about living with a rare neurological condition.
In December 2022, Celine announced her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder causing uncontrollable muscle tension.
Claudette Dion, her elder sister, also revealed that the singer lost control of her muscles in December 2023.
There is currently no cure for SPS.
Speaking to Vogue France, Dion said she was “well, but it’s a lot of work,” adding: “I’m taking it one day at a time”.
The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ hitmaker, who is the cover star for the magazine’s May edition, said she has not “beaten the disease” but would “learn to live with it”.
She also disclosed that she undergoes “athletic, physical and vocal training” five days a week to work on her muscles.
“I haven’t beat the disease, as it’s still within me and always will be. I hope that we’ll find a miracle, a way to cure it with scientific research, but for now, I have to learn to live with it. So that’s me, now with Stiff Person Syndrome,” she said.
“Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy. I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice. I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself.
“At the beginning I would ask myself why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault? Life doesn’t give you any answers. You just have to live it! I have this illness for some unknown reason.
“The way I see it, I have two choices. Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself.
“I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again.”