Celine Dion’s Sister Gives Distressing Update on Singer’s Ongoing Health Battle

By: ScreenGawk Staff | Published: Dec 27, 2023

Celine Dion’s sister has shed light on the pop icon’s current health battle one year after she was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease. 

The Canadian singer has been suffering from stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes progressive muscle stiffness and episodes of painful muscle spasms.

Claudette Sheds Light on Sister During Interview

Claudette Dion recently joined 7 Jours, a French-Canadian news outlet, to speak about her famous sibling and how the recent illness has affected her life. 

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Claudette Dion sits down for an interview with the Canadian news outlet

Source: @CStar/X

She said Celine cannot perform and “doesn’t have control over her muscles.”

Dion Family Is Beginning to Lose Hope

Claudette admits that many of her family members are beginning to fear the worst, that Celine may never perform again.

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Celine Dion poses for a photo while wearing a sparkling blue dress

Source: @vanguardngrnews/X

“There are some who have lost hope because it is a disease that is not [very well] known. What pains me is that she has always been disciplined. She’s always worked hard. Our mother always told her, ‘You’re going to do it well; you’re going to do it properly,’” she said.

Maybe Celine Will Return One Day

Nonetheless, Celine’s family hopes the superstar will return to perform one day.

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Celine Dion performs on stage during a concert in Las Vegas

Source: @JustJared/X

“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,” Claudette Dion said. “The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle.”

Forced to Cancel World Tour

Celine Dion initially has already had to reschedule the ‘Courage World Tour’ until April 2024. 

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Vocalist Celine Dion performs at the HP Pavilion on February 20, 2009 in San Jose, California

Source: C Flanigan/FilmMagic/Getty Images

However, the voice behind the iconic Titanic theme tune may be forced to cancel the tour altogether if she doesn’t begin to see improvements in her health. 

Harsh Reality for Family

Unfortunately, the harsh reality for the Dion family is that Celine suffers from a degenerative disease. According to doctors, neither treatments nor therapy can reduce the symptoms, and she may get worse.

Photograph of Celine Dion’s extended family of 13 siblings

Source: @Josiah_FL/X

According to the experts at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the disease can become so severe that it leaves the individual with a hunched posture that inhibits them from walking properly. 

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One in a Million Chance

Doctors have shed light on the rare disease and claim that Celine’s condition only affects around one in a million people.

Doctor shares recent test results with two of his colleagues inside the hospital

Source: Freepik

According to Columbia University Irving Medical Center, it affects fewer than 5,000 people annually in the United States.

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Celine Reveals Her Disease to the World

Celine Dion first confirmed her diagnosis during a short video posted to her social media accounts last December.

Celine Dion gets emotional as she speaks on stage

Source: @RealJosephJaho/X

At the time, the global pop star announced she would have to postpone and cancel some concerts due to ongoing health issues.

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Celine Maintains a Low Profile

While Celine has maintained a low profile following the announcement of her illness, she appeared to be in good spirits when spotted at an NFL game last month.

Celine Dion smiles as she sits in a blue chair dressed in a light blue jacket

Source: @theblaze/X

The singer was seated with her son in Las Vegas. The game marked her first public appearance in over three years. 

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Singer Grateful for a Positive Outing

The pop icon was grateful to have spent quality time with her sons. Celine went on to write about the experience on Instagram.

The Montreal Canadiens team sits together for a photo

Source: Hockey Hall of Fame

“My boys and I had such a fun time visiting with the Montreal Canadiens after their hockey game with the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas on Monday,” she wrote. 

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Husband Passes Away After Battling Illness

Celine Dion lost her husband, René Angélil, to a horrible disease back in January 2016.

Celine Dion pictured with her husband, Rene, during an awards event

Source: @GraecoSyrian/X

After a long marriage of 21 years and an extensive battle with throat cancer, René died in their Las Vegas home surrounded by his family. 

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Long Battle With Cancer

Not long after his passing, Angélil’s representative exclusively confirmed it with media outlets. 

Celine Dion pictured with her late husband, René Angélil, during an event

Source: @nypost/X

“Rene Angelil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” the rep said in a statement.

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