The fragment is from “I am Céline Dion”, the production in which she tells how she goes through the Stiff Person Syndrome.
Celine Dion She is carrying out a tenacious fight to cope with rigid person syndrome, the neurological disease that has kept her away from the stage since the end of 2022. A few days ago, the Canadian singer premiered her new documentary where she shows intimate details of her treatment.
One of the most shocking scenes of the film, called I Am Céline Dion and directed by Irene Taylorshows the moment when the artist suffers a seizure for several minutes while being treated by her sports medicine therapist, Terrill Lobo.
Video: Céline Dion cried inconsolably when showing how her illness affected her voice
This incident happened after a recording session, suggesting that overstimulation can trigger these episodes. “It was very disturbing. Very upsetting. I know it’s hard for some viewers, it was hard for me too. But I will tell you that Céline felt validated by seeing herself like that, and she thought it would help her if other people could understand what the disease is like,” Lobo explained to the production.
And he added before the cameras: “Part of the disease is that when you go into a contraction, sometimes the signal to release it is not understood, so you end up staying in a contracted position.”
The Grammy winner describes her frustration and shame at losing control of her body. “I don’t know how to express it, it’s like… you know? Not having control of yourself,” says Dion after the episode.
This feeling of helplessness is aggravated by the impact of the disease on his voice, his main work tool. In one scene, Céline Dion attempts to sing Foreigner’s “I Wanna Know What Love Is,” but she suffers from hoarseness and out of tune.
Céline Dion remains firm in her recovery
Despite these difficulties, Dion remains determined. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop,” she said firmly.
I Am Céline Dion offers an intimate insight into the star’s daily life during her hiatus from the stage, showing how she interacts with her children, cares for her pets, and performs household chores in her Las Vegas mansion.
The documentary also features archival footage of Dion at the height of her career, contrasting her brilliant past with the current reality imposed by the disease.
Clips from her past performances, including performances of her famous hit “My Heart Will Go On,” are included, offering insight into the impact this condition has had on her life and career.
The singer announced her diagnosis in December 2022, after canceling several concert dates. Since then, she has made few public appearances, although she recently attended the 2024 Grammys and the premiere of her documentary.
Dion reveals in the film that she had been dealing with symptoms for nearly two decades before receiving the correct diagnosis. Initially, she attributed her health problems to sinus and ear infections. “I can’t lie anymore,” she stated in the documentary, explaining why she decided to be open about her condition.
