Celine Dion’s battle will still go on.
The legendary singer will document her ongoing fight with Stiff Person Syndrome in an upcoming documentary titled I Am: Celine Dion. The film follows the star’s journey with the rare but debilitating condition, which she told fans about back in December 2022. It will show her attempting to balance her career as her health takes a turn for the worst.
The Grammy-award-winning star has been updating fans on her journey so far, as she and her family speak to experts across the world to seek treatment for her syndrome.
Stiff Person Syndrome is a neurological and autoimmune disorder that causes spasms and rigidity in limbs. Sufferers may experience stiffening in the torso and limbs as well as severe muscle spasms, writes Yale Medicine.
There is currently no cure for the condition, but some treatments aim to manage or slow down the progression of symptoms. In most cases, diagnosis develops in people aged 40 onwards, but in rare instances, children and younger adults develop the condition.
Scientists still don’t know why SPS develops, but early research indicates it’s an autoimmune response between the brain and spinal cord.
Celine Dion wanted to document her life after being out of the spotlight for two years.
She said in a statement: “As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realized how much I have missed it, being able to see my fans.
“During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis.”
Irene Taylor, who directed the film, is a Peabody and Emmy-winning director who specializes in documentaries.
Aside from her health battle, the documentary will share insight into her home light and her career. It’s been bought by Amazon MGM Studios but currently does not have a release date.
It comes weeks after her sister, Claudette, issued a tear-jerking update on Celine Dion’s health. She told fans the My Heart Will Go On hitmaker can no longer control certain body movements.
“She doesn’t have control over her muscles,” Claudette told 7 Jours. “What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined. She’s always worked hard.'”
Claudette added: “It’s true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know.”
In May last year, Celine had to cancel her Courage World Tour due to her health. Since then, she has been focusing on her condition and spending time with her sons Rene-Charles, 22, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13. Celine shared her children with her late husband Rene Angelil.
