‘My voice will be heard’: Celine Dion vows to return to the stage despite health battle

Iconic singer Celine Dion remains determined in her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), vowing that she will return to the stage and her “voice will be heard” again.

In December 2022, Dion shocked her fans by candidly sharing on social media that she had been diagnosed with SPS.

Stiff person syndrome, as explained by the National Organisation for Rare Disorders (NORD), is a rare neurological disorder marked by gradual muscle stiffness and recurring episodes of painful muscle spasms. These spasms can manifest sporadically or be triggered by various factors, such as sudden noise or light physical contact.

Now in a preview clip for an upcoming NBC primetime special, Dion opened up about her battle with the neurological condition and her determination to perform once again.

When asked what the disease had taken from Dion, the My Heart Will Go On Hitmaker remained strong and optimistic, expressing her determination to overcome the challenges and continue her musical journey.

“It didn’t take anything away from me. I’m going to go back onstage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will. I will,” she explained.

“I am Céline Dion, because today my voice will be heard for the first time, not just because I have to, or because I need to. It’s because I want to and I miss it.”

While her condition presents its challenges, for Dion keeping her diagnosis a secret for so long was the most difficult burden.

“I had to raise my kids. I had to hide. I had to try to be a hero,” she began.

“Feeling my body leaving me, holding onto my own dreams. And the lying for me was … the burden was too much.”

Dion is set to share more of her health battle in her upcoming documentary I Am: Celine Dion.

The documentary will explore Dion’s life and career and rise to superstardom while also shedding light on her ongoing struggle with SPS.

In a clip for the documentry, Dion breaks down while discussing the impact of her condition and her desire to perform once again.

“I’m working hard everyday. But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle,” she revealed.

“I miss it so much. The people, I miss them. If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. I won’t stop.”