Celine Dion’s sister, Claudette, shared in a comment to the Canadian publication 7 Jours that the singer is struggling to control her body due to Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), which was diagnosed last year. This rare neurological disorder, with autoimmune disease-like symptoms, causes progressive muscle rigidity and spasms.
According to Claudette Dion, the singer continues to work hard on her recovery, but she must remain “on forced rest” as she is unable to control her muscles due to the condition. Claudette added that it is still unclear how likely it is for Dion to return to the stage.
“If you only knew how many calls we get at our family charity foundation asking about Celine’s condition! People tell us they love her and are praying for her. She receives so many letters, gifts, blessed crucifixes. She works hard, but she can’t control her muscles. Vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is a muscle too. Since SPS is a one-in-a-million case, scientists have not yet conducted enough research on this diagnosis,” Claudette Dion added.
It was announced in December 2022 that Celine Dion had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. The singer canceled all of her concerts in the UK and Europe in 2023. Dion explained that the illness causes uncontrollable muscle spasms and has made it difficult for her to walk and sing. “Every day, I work hard with my sports therapist to regain my strength and the ability to perform again, but I must admit that it is a struggle,” the singer stated.
According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders, SPS causes “muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and increased sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional stress, which can trigger muscle spasms.” For people with SPS, hunched and tense postures are common, and calming medications and muscle relaxants help slow the progression of the disease.
