Legendary singer Celine Dion has withdrawn significantly from the spotlight after she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS) back in 2022. While her performing career is in limbo, Dion is now working on a documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, chronicling her battle with stiff person syndrome that will shine a spotlight on the rare condition and her hopeful journey back to the stage.
SPS is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that manifests in muscle stiffness, spasms, pain, unsteady gait, double vision, and slurred speech. In the wake of her ongoing struggle with stiff person syndrome, Dion has been receiving extensive support from her family, though her sister admits there has been only so much they can do about her pain. This documentary will teach viewers an unprecedented amount about SPS and Dion’s experience with it.
Celine Dion is working on a documentary called ‘I Am: Celine Dion’ to chronicle her experience with stiff person syndrome
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Earlier this week, Dion took to Instagram to update her fans on how she was doing and announce her documentary plans going forward. “Get ready!” she said. “I Am: Celine Dion, a documentary directed by Oscar-Nominated Irene Taylor, will be released globally on @primevideo.”
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The caption continues, “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. As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realized how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans.”
It goes on, “During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis.”
Dion’s career and plans for the future
Last year’s Love Again featured Dion in her first film role, opposite Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan; it also featured 11 songs from Dion in the movie’s soundtrack. However, Dion admitted last May that she “will likely never tour again.” Even so, Dion wants to return to the stage and music production.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having,” said Dion in a video discussing her diagnosis. “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 admitted that “touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%,” but “I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again.”
The official release date for the feature-length documentary I Am: Celine Dion will be announced at a later date, according to USA Today.
