There’s been another twist in the heartbreaking saga of Celine Dion following her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome.
The neurological condition, which is incurable, came as a devastating blow for Dion and has forced her to take a step back from singing, the spotlight, her fans, and just about everything else she’s become accustomed to over the past few decades.
Since her tragic diagnosis in 2022, Dion has been on a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Not only did she have to cancel the remaining dates of her world tour in May 2023 (having initially postponed them while she was being treated), but her sister confirmed in August that despite their best efforts, her family hadn’t been able to find any medicine that worked.
Now, it’s important to state that it’s not all doom and gloom at this stage. The 55-year-old gave her legion of followers something to be pleased about in November after making a surprise appearance at a hockey game in Las Vegas.
Dion posed for photos with her three sons during the event, and many people were of the opinion that she looked positively radiant during her first public appearance after a three-year absence.
Even so, the latest reports aren’t exactly what Dion’s fans will have been hoping for at the turn of the new year.
According to Radar Online, the All by Myself singer is reeling from the ongoing issues with her vocal cords and wants nothing more than to be able to return to the stage and sing songs.
Indeed, the report claims that the 55-year-old is desperate to perform for fans again, so much so that she’s willing to sing from a wheelchair if that’s what it takes to get back on stage.
Dion is undergoing extensive treatment with physicians and physical therapists, though her older sister, Claudette, explained that her prognosis is not promising.
“She doesn’t have control over her muscles — and vocal cords are muscles,” Claudette told the National Enquirer last year.
“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,” she added.
As per reports, those living with stiff person syndrome often end up being confined to a wheelchair. An insider told Radar Online that the possibility doesn’t bother Dion too much, though the loss of her famous voice is an incredible struggle.
“Celine would be content to just sit in a chair and sing to entertain her audiences,” the insider said. “But her voice is just not coming back the way that would allow her to perform or record again.
“She has spasms in her vocal cords. She can sing fine — just like you know Celine for a few notes, then a spasm kicks in and throws what she’s singing completely out of whack.
“Sadly, it’s doesn’t seem to be repairable — whether through surgery or therapy.”
Our hearts go out to Celine Dion and her loved ones at this difficult time.
