Celine Dion is finding strength in her sons amid her stiff-person syndrome battle. The iconic singer, known for her powerful voice and emotional performances, has been candid about her struggles with the rare autoimmune neurological disorder. In a recent interview with People magazine, Dion shared how her three sons have been her source of strength and inspiration during this challenging time.
Stiff-person syndrome is a rare condition that causes severe muscle stiffness and spasms, leading to difficulties in movement and walking. Dion, 56, revealed that there was a point when she could barely walk, and her children began to notice the changes in her health. “I barely could walk at one point, and I was missing very much living. My kids started to notice,” she said. “I was like, ‘OK, they already lost a parent. I don’t want them to be scared.'”
Dion’s late husband, René Angélil, passed away from throat cancer in 2016, leaving her to raise their three sons—René-Charles, 23, and 13-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy—on her own. The singer has been open with her children about her condition, reassuring them that while it is serious, it is not life-threatening. “I let them know, ‘You lost your dad, [but] mom has a condition and it’s different. I’m not going to die. It’s something that I’m going to learn to live with,'” she recalled telling them.
The award-winning singer’s journey with stiff-person syndrome is the focus of a new documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” which will be available on Amazon’s Prime Video starting June 25. The documentary, directed by Academy Award-nominated director Irene Taylor, provides an intimate look at Dion’s life and her battle with the disorder.
Dion’s health struggles began in the mid-2000s, but her symptoms, including excruciating muscle spasms and difficulty walking and breathing, worsened significantly in the years leading up to her diagnosis in August 2022. Despite these challenges, Dion has remained determined to continue her career and be there for her children.
In a tearful video posted on Instagram in December 2022, Dion announced her diagnosis and the impact it had on her life and career. “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” she told her fans.
The trailer for the upcoming documentary highlights Dion’s unwavering determination to return to the stage. “I miss it so much. The people, I miss them,” she says in the trailer. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl … I won’t stop.” Her resilience and dedication to her craft have earned her admiration from fans around the world.
Dion’s eldest son, René-Charles, has been a pillar of support for his mother. He escorted her onstage at the 2024 Grammys, where she received a standing ovation for her surprise appearance to present Taylor Swift with the Album of the Year award. Dion’s presence at the event was a testament to her strength and determination to continue her career despite her health challenges.
In addition to the documentary, Dion will be opening up about her health battle in a sit-down interview with Hoda Kotb for an NBC News primetime special, airing Tuesday, June 11 at 10 p.m. EST. In a preview of the interview, Dion reflects on the challenges she faced while caring for her husband during his illness and raising their children. “I did not take the time — I should have stopped, take the time to figure it out,” she told Kotb. “My husband as well was fighting for his own life. I had to raise my kids, I had to hide. I had to try to be a hero.”
Throughout her journey, Dion has remained focused on her children and their well-being. Her sons have been a source of strength and motivation, helping her navigate the difficult path of living with stiff-person syndrome. As she continues to learn about her condition and its impact on her life, Dion remains committed to her family and her career.
Celine Dion’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering love for her children. Despite the challenges she faces, she continues to find strength in her sons and remains determined to live her life to the fullest. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of family and the strength that can be found in the face of adversity.
