Canadian singer Celine Dion took to social media to express holiday wishes to her fans just before Thanksgiving, while she continues to battle a rare autoimmune disease called Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
In a video posted on November 26th, Dion said, “Dear friends, today is a beautiful day. Let’s take this opportunity to slow down, take a deep breath, and be grateful.”
“Whether at the dinner table, through a phone call, or simply in our hearts, being with loved ones carries immense power within itself,” she added.
Dion has three sons with her late husband René Angélil, who was a Canadian music producer and talent manager. He guided her career since she was just 12 years old. Angélil passed away in 2016 at the age of 73 due to throat cancer.
In the video, Dion expressed gratitude for the time spent with family and friends. “I am so thankful for my family and cherish the moments we share. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, peace, and gratitude for all things, even the smallest ones. Happy Thanksgiving and may you and your family be happy and healthy.”
Dion was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in 2022. According to data from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, this neurological disorder is more common in women and typically occurs in the 40 to 50 age group.
The exact cause of Stiff Person Syndrome is still unknown. However, experts believe it stems from the body attacking nerve cells responsible for regulating muscle movement, as reported by Yale School of Medicine.
Symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome include muscle spasms and stiffness, which typically worsen over time. There is currently no cure for the disease, but treatments can help alleviate some symptoms like difficulty walking, slurred speech, and vision impairment.
In a now-deleted Instagram video in December 2022, Dion publicly shared details of her condition. “I have been battling health issues for a long time, and facing these challenges and discussing my experiences has not been easy for me,” she said.
“While we are still learning more about this rare condition, we now know that this is the cause of all my spasms. Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes making it difficult for me to walk and I can no longer sing with the vocal range I once had.”
Dion mentioned seeking sports medicine therapists to help regain her strength to get back on stage. However, she was eventually forced to cancel all remaining tours.
“This is not easy for me to admit,” she said. “I only know how to sing – it’s what I have been doing my whole life, and what I love the most.”