In a heartfelt interview with Hoda Kotb on the Today Show, the 56-year-old music legend vowed to perform again, even if it means crawling to the stage and using hand gestures to communicate.
“I’m going to go back on stage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will. I will,” Dion affirmed passionately.
Dion first shared her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome in December 2022, a rare neurological condition causing severe muscle stiffness and spasms. She revealed she had been silently battling the condition for 17 years, experiencing symptoms since 2008, which she described as feeling like being “strangled.” The severity of her condition has even led to broken ribs from intense muscle cramps.
Due to her health issues, Dion had to cancel several shows planned for 2023 and 2024, admitting she wasn’t strong enough to tour at the time. When asked about her potential return to performing, she told Vogue France that she “can’t answer that” right now, highlighting the uncertainty of her situation.
Despite these challenges, Celine Dion remains a towering figure in the music industry, with over 250 million albums sold throughout her storied career. Her determination to overcome her health obstacles and return to the stage reflects her deep-seated passion for music and performance.