In a candid interview with Hoda Kotb, Céline Dion opened up about her health struggles and the decision to publicly share her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome. The Grammy winner revealed that not telling the truth about her condition was becoming too much to bear, and that she felt overwhelmed by not understanding what was happening to her body. Dion first shared her diagnosis on Instagram in December 2022, explaining that the rare neurological disorder causes stiffness in the torso, arms, and legs, as well as sensitivity to noise, touch, and emotional distress.
During the interview, Dion admitted that she did not take the time to rest or seek medical help when she first noticed the symptoms of stiff person syndrome. She felt pressured to continue working, raising her children, and supporting her late husband, René Angélil, as he battled his own health issues. The burden of hiding her struggles and feeling her body deteriorate became too much for Dion to bear, leading her to finally open up about her condition and seek treatment. She described the feeling of trying to sing with the disorder as being strangled or pushed in the throat, with her ribs, feet, and hands stiffening to the point where she couldn’t move them.
Dion’s symptoms first appeared during her “Taking Chances World Tour” in 2008, when she struggled to control her voice and noticed muscle stiffness. She felt that she was lying to her fans by not revealing her condition sooner, and the weight of keeping her struggles hidden took a toll on her mental and physical well-being. Despite not performing for several years, Dion remains hopeful about returning to the stage in the future. She told Vogue France that she has been unsure about when she will be able to perform again, and that her body will ultimately dictate when she is ready to make a comeback.
The full interview with Hoda Kotb provides further insight into Dion’s health challenges, her decision to share her diagnosis publicly, and her journey towards healing. The intimate conversation will air on June 11 at 10 p.m. ET on NBC, giving fans a deeper understanding of the struggles the music icon has faced in recent years. Additionally, Dion’s upcoming documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” will be released on Prime Video on June 25, offering viewers a closer look at her life, career, and the obstacles she has overcome. Through her openness and vulnerability, Dion hopes to inspire others facing health issues and encourage them to seek the support and care they need to heal.
