Celine Dion, 56, reveals singing with stiff person syndrome makes her feel like ‘somebody is STRANGLING her’ as she opens up about agonizing symptoms of her illness
- The singer, 56, was diagnosed with the rare neurological condition in 2022
- Now she has spoken out to Today about the painful symptoms of her illness
- She explained how this affects her ability to do what she loves most: performing
Celine Dion has revealed that singing with Stiff Person Syndrome makes her feel like ‘someone is strangling her’ – months after admitting she was ‘determined’ to get back on stage and perform again.
The 56-year-old singer was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune neurological disorder in 2022 and was forced to cancel all future tour dates as a result.
Now she has spoken out about the painful symptoms of her disease Today show, including how this affects her ability to do what she loves most: performing.
“It’s like someone is strangling you,” she told the publication, when asked what it’s like to try to sing with the condition. ‘It’s like someone is pushing on your larynx/pharynx.’
And it doesn’t just affect her throat, she continued: ‘It can also be in the abdomen, in the spine, in the ribs.
Celine Dion has revealed that singing with ‘stiff person syndrome’ makes her feel like ‘someone is strangling her’
The singer, 56, spoke on the Today show about the painful symptoms of her illness, including how it affects her ability to do what she loves most: performing
‘If I point my feet, they stay [stuck in that position]or when I cook – because I love cooking – my fingers, my hands, get into a position.
‘My feet – that’s it [like] cramps, but it’s true [they get] in a position and you cannot unlock them.
“I broke ribs once, because sometimes, if it’s really bad, it can break ribs too.”
In March, Celine said she was still hoping to get back on stage in an Instagram post in honor of International Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day.
“Trying to overcome this autoimmune disease has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back on stage and live as normal a life as possible,” she wrote.
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support of my children, family, team and all of you.
‘I would like to send my encouragement and support to everyone around the world affected by SPS. I want you to know that you can do it. We can do it.’