'Nothing Is Going To Stop Me' : Celine Dion Talks Surviving Stiff Person Syndrome

Celine Dion has stated that she is unsure about when she will be able to return to her world tour, after being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.

However, the My Heart Will Go On singer has insisted that, "There's one thing that will never stop, and that's the will".

Dion first cited health issues in 2021, cancelling her Las Vegas residency. She later confirmed her SPS diagnosis in December 2022, forcing her to cancel her Courage World Tour.

The main symptoms of SPS are spasming and muscle stiffening. While there are no cures for this disease, it is treatable, including the use of muscle sedatives and relaxants.

While she is learning to live with the disease, Celine Dion does hope "that we’ll find a miracle, a way to cure it".

"Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy", the singer continued. "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", Dion added. "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". 

While saying that her goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again, Celine Dion added, "What’s more, I have this strength within me. I know that nothing is going to stop me". 

"My body will tell you"

Elsewhere, Celine Dion also addressed the possibility of her returning to her world tour.

"For four years I’ve been saying to myself that I’m not going back, that I’m ready, that I’m not ready… As things stand, I can’t stand here and say to you ‘Yes, in four months’, she explained. "I don’t know… My body will tell me. On the other hand, I don’t just want to wait. It’s morally hard to live from day to day". 

"It’s hard, I’m working very hard and tomorrow will be even harder. Tomorrow is another day. But there’s one thing that will never stop, and that’s the will. It’s the passion. It’s the dream. It’s the determination," she added.

Celine Dion did make a rare appearance at the Grammy Awards to present the Album of the Year accolade, which she described as "very very touching". 

"It was very nerve-wracking, but at the same time, a big honour," Dion said. "That magic. That excitement. To see the fans, to see the crowd. To see show business again. It took a lot, a lot out of me". 

Celine Dion's battle with SPS will also be documented in a new Prime Video documentary: I Am: Celine Dion, featuring footage from Oscar nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor from over a year.