Celine Dion’s Sister Says Singer “Doesn’t Have Control Over Her Muscles”
International music sensation Celine Dion continues to face challenges in her battle against Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disease that led her to cancel all tour dates through 2024. Dion’s sister, Claudette, shared insights into the singer’s condition, revealing that Celine is “working hard” but is grappling with a lack of control over her muscles.
Speaking to Canadian media, Claudette expressed the difficulty of dealing with an illness that afflicts the muscles, including the vocal cords and heart. Stiff-Person Syndrome is a one-in-a-million case, making extensive research challenging due to its rarity.
“In our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know,” Claudette stated, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Celine’s future performances.
Despite the daunting nature of the disease, Claudette highlighted the overwhelming support the Dion family has received through the Fondation Maman Dion, their family charity. Messages of love and prayers for Celine have poured in from fans who, despite the limited awareness of the illness, express solidarity with the renowned artist.
“Some people have lost hope because it’s an illness that isn’t well known. If you knew the number of phone calls the Foundation receives about Celine! People tell us they love her and are praying for her,” shared Claudette.
Stiff-Person Syndrome, a progressive disorder causing muscle stiffness in the torso, arms, and legs, affects approximately one in a million people. Celine Dion disclosed her diagnosis in December 2022, leading to the cancellation of European tour dates initially scheduled for February 2023. The Grammy-winning singer, known for hits like “My Heart Will Go On,” made the difficult decision to cancel the entire 2023-2024 tour in May of this year.
The family remains hopeful, acknowledging the limited understanding of the illness and expressing a desire for medical researchers to discover a remedy for this rare and challenging condition. Celine Dion, described as a “strong woman,” continues her journey to recovery with the unwavering support of her family and countless fans worldwide.
