Celine Dion has a new documentary about her life with Stiff Person Syndrome. Here's a timeline of her condition.
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- Prime Video released the first trailer of "I Am: Celine Dion."
- The documentary, out on June 25, will also show Dion's journey with Stiff Person Syndrome.
- Here's a timeline of her health updates before and after sharing her diagnosis in 2022.
Prime Video has released the first trailer for "I Am: Celine Dion," promising insight into Dion's life after she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.
In December 2022, Dion announced that she had been diagnosed with the rare neurological condition, which affects the brain and causes muscles to stiffen uncontrollably.
The singer canceled concerts after the diagnosis and has not made many public appearances since. In January, Dion said that Amazon MGM Studios had acquired the rights to a documentary about her life and career.
The movie's first teaser, released on Thursday, showed clips of Dion in physical therapy and in tears about how the disease has stopped her from performing. The movie will arrive on Prime Video on June 25.
Here's what Dion and her family have said about her health in recent years.
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Fans started worrying about Dion's health after the singer began postponing concerts.
In October 2021, Dion said she would delay her Las Vegas residency show at the new Resorts World Theatre. Per a statement, Dion couldn't perform because she was "experiencing severe and persistent muscle spasms."
"Now, I have to focus on getting better… I want to get through this as soon as I can," Dion wrote in an Instagram post.
In January 2022, Dion canceled her remaining North American shows for her Courage World Tour, which had been delayed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She again cited her muscle spasms.
"I'll be so glad to get back to full health, as well as all of us getting past this pandemic, and I can't wait to be back on stage again," Dion said.
A few months on, in April 2022, she recorded a video for fans saying she was delaying the European leg of the tour as well.
"The good news is that I am doing a little bit better, but it's going very slow, and it's very frustrating for me," she said in the video.
Dion eventually canceled the whole tour in May 2023.
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In another video, Dion shared the diagnosis, which she said she had gotten recently.
"Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to," Dion said with tears in her eyes.
Dion said that she was working with a team of doctors and sports-medicine therapists, hoping to perform again.
"All I know is singing. It's what I've done all my life, and it's what I love to do the most," she said.
Business Insider's Marianne Guenot previously reported that there is no known cure for Stiff Person Syndrome. Instead, symptoms are managed using muscle relaxants and sedatives.
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In July 2023, Dion's older sister Claudette Dion told Canada's Le Journal de Montréal that the family was struggling to find a medicine that worked.
"I honestly think that she mostly needs to rest. She always goes above and beyond, she always tries to be the best and top of her game," she said.
Claudette said her other sister Linda moved in with Dion.
Later that year, Claudette told the French-Canadian magazine 7 Jours that her sister could not control her muscles.
"What breaks my heart is that she's always been disciplined. She's always worked hard," she said in December 2023.
Claudette added that she hoped her sister would be able to perform again but wondered how.
"The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle," she said.
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In January, Dion announced that Amazon MGM Studios had acquired the rights to "I Am: Celine Dion," a documentary about her career.
Dion said it would include a behind-the-scenes look at her struggles with Stiff Person Syndrome.
She said she hoped the documentary would raise awareness and help others with the condition.
"This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me," Dion said.
In the statement, Dion referred to "the road to resuming my performing career," suggesting that she hopes to return.
But she didn't give a timeframe. It also isn't clear when the documentary will be released.
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During the 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony, Dion was invited to present the album of the year award. Accompanied by her son, René-Charles Angélil, Dion received a standing ovation from the audience as she walked onstage.
"Thank you all. I love you right back," Dion said. "When I say that I'm happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart."
"Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards must never take it for granted, the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people all around the world," she continued.
She gave the top prize to Taylor Swift for her album "Midnights."
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On March 15, Dion posted a picture of herself and her three sons, René-Charles, Nelson, and Eddy Angélil, on Instagram to mark International SPS Awareness Day.
"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," Dion wrote. "I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!"
"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!" she added.
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On April 22, Vogue France revealed that Dion was the cover star for their May issue.
In her Q&A for the cover, Dion said she hoped that someone would find a miracle cure for the disease, but she has "to learn to live with it" until then.
"Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy. I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice," she said. "I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself."
Dion said her goal was to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris again.
"The way I see it, I have two choices. Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it's over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself," she said. "I've chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be."
Dion said the love of her family, children, fans and support from her team was helping a lot with her recovery.
"People who suffer from SPS may not be lucky enough or have the means to have good doctors and good treatments. I have those means, and this is a gift," she said. "What's more, I have this strength within me. I know that nothing is going to stop me."
Dion said later that she couldn't say when she would return to performing.
"I don't know... My body will tell me," she said. "But there's one thing that will never stop, and that's the will. It's the passion. It's the dream. It's the determination."
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