Celine Dion, the beloved Canadian superstar, has been openly sharing her battle with the debilitating Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare and incurable neurological disorder. In her new documentary, “I Am Celine Dion,” which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, the singer gives her fans a raw and emotional look into her ongoing health struggle.
The documentary features a harrowing scene where Dion is captured on camera experiencing a violent muscle spasm while lying on a gurney. The 56-year-old singer’s body shakes uncontrollably, and silent tears stream down her face, as she endures the painful effects of this condition.
According to the film’s director, Irene Taylor, Dion insisted that this footage be included in the documentary, as she believes it can help raise awareness and understanding about her condition.
In the trailer for the documentary, Dion openly acknowledges the challenges she has faced since putting her music career on hold due to SPS. “It’s not hard to do a show, it’s hard to cancel a show,” she laments, expressing her deep longing to perform for her devoted fans once again. Dion’s determination to overcome her illness is evident as she declares, “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop.”
In a recent interview with Vogue France, Dion revealed that she has been undergoing a rigorous regimen of athletic, physical, and vocal therapy five days a week, as she battles to regain control of her body and her voice. She first began experiencing symptoms of SPS as early as 2008, with her voice starting to spasm during singing and muscle stiffness during her Las Vegas residency, which ultimately came to an end in 2019.
Dion’s openness and vulnerability in sharing her health struggles have been praised by her fans and the entertainment industry alike. The documentary “I Am Celine Dion” promises to provide a profound and intimate look into the life of this legendary artist as she confronts the challenges of Stiff Person Syndrome and her unwavering determination to return to the stage.
