Celine Dion’s sister shares grim update on the singer’s health as she battles stiff person syndrome: ‘We can’t find any medicine that works’
Celine Dion’s sister Claudette Dion revealed that the Power Of Love singer is struggling following her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome.
Stiff person syndrome is a rare, incurable neurological condition that results in uncontrollable muscle spasms.
Opening up to Le Journal de Montreal (via SheMazing), about the My Heart Will Go On vocalist’s life in the wake of cancelling her world tour, Claudette admitted that her sister needed to ‘rest.’
However, the Canadian crooner’s sister added that Celine is ‘working hard’ to see if there’s a cure out there for what some medical professionals refer to as ‘statue syndrome.’
‘She’s listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible,’ Claudette said.
Staying strong: Celine Dion’s sister Claudette opened up about her superstar sibling’s struggles following the wake of her stiff person syndrome diagnosis; seen in September 2019
Disheartened but determined: Claudette noted that her sister was determined and ‘working hard’; seen in 2001
Fans of the vocal powerhouse were incredibly supportive of Celine when news broke she was cancelling her world tour due to her health problems.
‘All I care about is you,’ one fan wrote.
Another added, ‘We love you Celine, take good care of yourself.’
The recurring theme from the All By Myself singer’s fans was that they wanted her to prioritize her health first.
Claudette recognized the dedication her sister had for performing, saying, ‘She always goes above and beyond, she always tries to be the best and top of her game.’
However, ‘At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something,’ Claudette reflected.
Despite the disparaging diagnosis, the It’s All Coming Back To Me Now singer has the support of her family.
Her sister noted, ‘[Performing is] innate to her, she’s disciplined in every area of her life.
‘We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important,’ Claudette emphasized.
Power diva: Known for her incredible vocals, Celine’s sister admitted that the I Surrender singer was determined to find a way to treat her illness; seen in 2019
Perfect harmony: One of the 55-year-old singer’s greatest hits was, ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ from the Titanic soundtrack
Screen star: The diva also showed off her acting chops in the 2023 rom-com ‘Love Again’
Given the nature of stiff person syndrome, the Fade Away singer’s world tour is cancelled until further notice.
Claudette also noted during her interview that Celine’s other sister, Linda, had moved into Celine’s home to support the star.
‘When I call her and she’s busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she’s working hard,’ Claudette mentioned.
A source close to the brunette beauty told US Weekly, ‘It came as a shock, but she’s lost none of her fighting spirit and is comforted that at least she knows exactly what she’s dealing with now.’
They added, ‘There’s comfort that she can alleviate some of the symptoms by getting treatments that are specific for this condition.’