Céline Dion Likens Stiff Person Syndrome To Being Strangled

Céline Dion is opening up about her health and what it’s like living with a rare neurological condition.

The powerhouse vocalist recently got candid about her well-being in a snippet of an upcoming primetime special with Hoda Kotb. She revealed the challenges she faces in her daily routine and how stiff person syndrome has impacted her voice.

Céline Dion confirmed she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in December 2022, forcing her to cancel multiple shows.

The excerpt of the heart-to-heart interview captured an emotional Dion reflecting on how stiff person syndrome had impacted her life as a singer. The “My Heart Will Go On” hitmaker noted it was challenging singing with the condition.

“It’s like somebody is strangling you,” she explained before pressing inward on her throat with her fingers, adding: “It’s like somebody is pushing your larynx/pharynx this way.”

Dion then demonstrated to Kotb what it sounded like by speaking in a raspy, restrained voice, saying: “It’s like you’re talking like that, and you cannot go higher or lower. It gets into a spasm.”

The cons of this rare neurological condition didn’t end there, as the songstress revealed she suffered from muscle spasms and stiffness — an issue that has caused Dion severe injuries and discomfort, per TODAY.

Dion revealed the condition initially began in her throat, and she thought, “OK, that’s going to be fine.” Unfortunately, the muscle spasm and stiffness could affect other vital parts of her body, becoming a severe problem.

“It can also be in the abdominal, can be in the spine, can be in the ribs. But it feels like if I point my feet, they will stay in a (stuck position), or if I cook — because I love to cook — my fingers, my hands, will get in a position,” she explained.

“My feet — it’s cramping, but it’s like in a position where you cannot unlock them,” Dion continued, noting that the muscle spasm and stiffness had caused her serious injuries. In her words:

“I have broken ribs at one point because sometimes, when it’s very severe, it can break some ribs as well.”

In April, The Blast reported that Dion got candid about her rare neurological condition in an emotional cover story. She posed topless for Vogue magazine, marking her return to the spotlight with a bold pose.

When asked how she coped with stiff person syndrome, the 56-year-old revealed it was challenging, saying, “I’m well, but it’s a lot of work. I’m taking it one day at a time.”

Dion explained that she had to participate in a five-day-a-week “athletic, physical and vocal therapy,” noting that she had to learn to live with it now and stop questioning herself. In her words:

“At the beginning, I would ask myself, ‘Why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault?’ Life doesn’t give you any answers. You just have to live it!”

Last December, The Blast reported on the iconic singer’s desire to return on stage amid her health struggles. An insider who described Dion as “a fighter,” revealed:

“She doesn’t have as much control over her muscles as she did before, but she’s working with doctors and physical therapists to get better.”

The source, however, mentioned that the singer is waiting for her medical team to give her the go-ahead to return to what she does best.

Another insider also revealed that the “If Walls Could Talk” singer remains positive about her condition and is looking forward to when she can reconnect with her fans again. The informant then added:

“Getting back on stage in some form is her constant dream, even if she can no longer sing; she just wants to see those shining faces.”

Amid Dion’s burning desire to return to the stage, the singer’s sister, Claudette, revealed that they have been basking in the overwhelming support from fans. Dion’s sibling said in an interview:

“Some people have lost hope because it’s all illness that isn’t well known. If only you knew the number of phone calls the Foundation gets about Celine! People tell us they love her and they’re praying for her.”

Claudette added that the five-time Grammy Award winner receives several “presents and blessed crucifixes.” Unfortunately, the joy of fans’ support doesn’t totally eliminate Claudette’s sorrow about her sister’s condition.

“What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined. She’s always worked hard,” the Quebec native lamented.