Celine Dion Fights Back Tears as She Opens Up About Her Battle With an Incurable Illness

Celine Dion has revealed that she decided to turn her difficult battle with illness into her “reason to live.” The emotional admission came from the 58-year-old singer during her first concert in Paris.

In December 2022, Dion revealed that doctors had diagnosed her with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms.

At the most difficult stages of the illness, the singer was barely able to walk normally and could no longer use her voice the way she once had.

Celine Dion struggled to hold back tears as she returned to the stage after being forced to cancel the remaining dates of her Courage world tour in 2023.

After performing the first song of the evening, “On ne change pas” (“We Don’t Change”), the singer admitted: “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. And here we are... I’m standing on a stage in a city that I love so much, thanks to your support and your love.

“But I have to admit, this journey has not been easy. It turned out to be much longer than I expected, and there were quite a few unplanned stops along the way.

“But I didn’t give up. Somewhere far away, high in the mountains, I could see a faint ray of light. I believed in it. And now it’s here. The sun — the sun has come back. It’s right in front of me. I promised myself I would return to the stage. And here I am — singing for you and singing for myself, singing live! Thank you so much for your support and your patience. And, if I may say so, I am who I am because you loved me.”

Speaking about her long and difficult battle with the disease, the singer added:

“By living with this day after day, I was able to accept it. And I decided to make it my reason to live.”

In recent years, Celine Dion has devoted herself to intensive rehabilitation. She has tried various medications, undergone physical therapy, worked with a vocal therapist and received immunotherapy.

To physically prepare for her return to the stage, the singer has also been working on her strength and endurance. Three times a week, she does 90-minute Pilates sessions, while twice a week she attends ballet classes.

Dion’s home gym is equipped with strength-training machines, a treadmill and a Pilates reformer. According to the singer, her flexibility noticeably improved after she began following the new workout routine.

Now, back under the spotlight in Paris, Celine Dion speaks about her illness not only as a painful challenge, but also as part of a journey that has helped her rediscover what she wants to live for — and why she wants to return to the stage.