Celine Dion Battles Autoimmune Disease: An Update on Her Health Struggles
Celebrities
By Samantha Ibrahim
Published March 16, 2024, 2:35 p.m. ET
Celine Dion isn’t giving up as she battles her autoimmune disease.
Coping with Stiff Person Syndrome
The beloved singing icon, 55, took to Instagram to update fans on her health struggles on Friday, which also marked International Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day. Dion — who has been suffering from the illness since 2022 — smiled in an accompanying photo with her three sons, René-Charles Angélil, 25, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13.
She thanked her fans and family for sticking by her side amid her harrowing health crisis.
“Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible. I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you,” she continued.
Her post was also translated into French for her international fans.
About Stiff Person Syndrome
According to RareDiseases.org, Stiff Person Syndrome is a “rare acquired neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (rigidity) and repeated episodes of painful muscle spasms.” The pop icon was diagnosed with SPS in fall 2022 and revealed the news in a teary-eyed video at the time, also announcing she would have to postpone her European tour. It was subsequently canceled last year.
“As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I’m ready now,” she said. “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”
Staying Strong and Making Appearances
In November 2023, Dion made her first public appearance in nearly four years when she attended a hockey game in Las Vegas. The game was between the Vegas Golden Knights and her hometown team, the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, the “Because You Loved Me” songstress delighted fans after making a surprise appearance at this year’s Grammy Awards. She stepped out at the conclusion of the ceremony to present the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift for “Midnights.”
