Céline Dion recently disclosed her struggle with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. Dion faced symptoms for 17 years before receiving a diagnosis in August 2022. Stiff-person syndrome leads to severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, making daily activities challenging.
Dion’s symptoms often became debilitating, sometimes requiring high doses of Valium to function. She shared that managing the condition involved guilt over attributing canceled shows to minor ailments while her actual symptoms were more severe. Her health issues intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading her to withdraw from public life.
In December 2022, Dion publicly revealed her diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram video. In the clip, she explained how the spasms affected her daily life, including her ability to sing. Following this, Dion postponed a series of concerts and ultimately canceled the remainder of her Courage World Tour.
Dion has since focused on rehabilitation, including medications, therapies, and immunotherapy. She gradually returned to the public eye and made an appearance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024. She continued to engage with the public, promoting her documentary “I Am: Céline Dion” and attending its New York premiere.
Her return to the stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics singing Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” marked a significant revival. In November 2024, she performed at Elie Saab’s fashion show in Riyadh. Dion announced plans to headline a five-week residency in Paris, starting September, during her 58th birthday.
Preparations for her residency involved 90-minute Pilates sessions thrice weekly, alongside ballet classes. Dion emphasized her desire to reconnect with fans as a central motivation for her comeback.