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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
According to Columbia University Irving Medical Center, it affects fewer than 5,000 people annually in the United States.
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.
At the time, the global pop star announced she would have to postpone and cancel some concerts due to ongoing health issues.
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.
The singer was seated with her son in Las Vegas. The game marked her first public appearance in over three years.
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.
“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.
Husband Passes Away After Battling Illness
Celine Dion lost her husband, René Angélil, to a horrible disease back in January 2016.
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.
Long Battle With Cancer
Not long after his passing, Angélil’s representative exclusively confirmed it with media outlets.
“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.
