Celine Dion Opens Up About 17-Year Secret Battle with Stiff Person Syndrome
Canadian singer Celine Dion has revealed that she kept her struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome hidden from the public for 17 years before finally sharing it. In an interview with Hoda Kotb on the Today Show this week, Dion disclosed that she was silently battling the illness while also supporting her late husband, René Angélil, through his cancer battle and raising their children.
Despite experiencing symptoms as early as 2008, Dion chose to keep her condition private, admitting, “We did not know what was going on with me. I did not take the time… I should have stopped, took the time to figure it out.” She described the immense pressure she felt while managing her own health issues alongside her husband’s fight for survival, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on her as she tried to maintain a facade of strength for her family.
The 56-year-old singer, who first disclosed her diagnosis in 2022, explained that she decided to speak out about her illness because hiding it from “the people who got her to where she was” became an overwhelming burden. Dion candidly shared that her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome feels like she’s “being strangled,” often leaving her in excruciating pain and even resulting in broken ribs.
As she continues to navigate her health journey, Dion’s courage in revealing her struggles offers a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Her decision to speak openly about her condition not only sheds light on the realities of living with a chronic illness but also underscores the importance of seeking support and understanding from loved ones and fans alike.