Claudette Dion, Celine Dion‘s sister, has provided a sombre update on the singer’s ongoing battle with Stiff-Person Syndrome.
Claudette revealed in a new interview that the multiple Grammy winner is having difficulty controlling certain muscle movements.
She expressed the family’s anguish over the recent development to the French publication 7 Jours. She also stated that the singer is determined to resume her career.
Claudette said:
“She’s working hard, but she doesn’t have control over her muscles. What breaks my heart is that she’s 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.’ 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.”
This update comes a year after Celine announced her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterised by painful muscle spasms and stiffness that typically interferes with patients’ daily lives.
Unfortunately, the disease can spread and cause the affected muscles to constrict, resembling statues and frequently leading to immobility.
Due to the disorder, Celine Dion had to postpone her highly anticipated Courage World Tour indefinitely in May 2023, expressing her apologies to her fans. In an interview with Le Journal de Montreal in August 2023, Claudette expressed optimism about their ongoing search for effective medications for the incurable disease.
Claudette also revealed that their sister Linda Dion had moved into Celine’s home to help her three sons.