Celine Dion shares rare health update after stiff person syndrome diagnosis

Celine Dion has issued a rare statement amid her battle with stiff person syndrome, with the singer sharing that she is determined to get back to performing onstage.

Taking to Instagram, Celine shared a photo of herself with her sons René-Charles Angélil, 23, and twins Eddy and Nelson, 13.

"Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day," she wrote. "As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible. I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!"

Celine continued, "I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!"

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Her followers were quick to share their well wishes, with one user writing, "The strength you have given me through your struggle is immense, Céline! You've taught me to be resilient and determined with a positive attitude, knowing I'll overcome all my setbacks."

"You’ve got this," another said. "You are so loved and you will overcome it. Sending you healthy and healing energy and love!"

"Dear Celine, you are a legend in music, you are a fighter in life, send you love and support," a third said. "Cannot wait for the day you return to stage."

Johns Hopkins Medicine states that SPS is "a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that most commonly causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time".

People with stiff-person syndrome may suffer spasms that are so intense that they can fracture bones. They may also struggle to walk or talk.

Celine's sister reveals the singer 'doesn't have control over her muscles'

It comes after Celine's sister Claudette shared an update on the singer in December last year, revealing she "doesn't have control over her muscles".

Claudette revealed it may be some time before Celine can return to the stage, telling 7 Jours, "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."

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There hasn't been much research into the condition as it's so rare, and Celine has seen little improvement, with Claudette adding, "The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle. This is what comes to get me.

"Because it's 1 out of a million case, the scientists haven't done that much research because it didn't affect that many people."

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