Singer Celine Dion, 56, was brought to tears during an emotional performance by the Rolling Stones in Las Vegas recently. She recently revealed she hopes to perform onstage again, to the delight of many longtime fans.
Dion says she is listening intently to her body while also undergoing physical and vocal therapy as she lives with stiff person syndrome (SPS).
Dion revealed her diagnosis of a rare neurological disorder in late 2022. She and her family revealed since then, living with SPS symptoms has been challenging.
Symptoms associated with SPS include muscle stiffening, particularly in the torso, arms, and legs. Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) does not have a cure and can worsen over time. However, people diagnosed can manage symptoms with treatment, which includes muscle-relaxing drugs.
Some experts shared with SurvivorNet that people battling a chronic disease or cancer should remember to prioritize their overall well-being and do the things that they love, including focusing on music like Dion. By focusing on what brings you joy, your mental health can get a much-needed boost while on your journey to recovery.
The Rolling Stones’ performance in Las Vegas was a profoundly emotional experience for singer-songwriter Celine Dion, 56. As the legendary rock band played its iconic hits, Dion was moved to tears, her emotions ranging from wiping her cheeks to applauding throughout the performance.
Dion has been living with stiff person syndrome since 2022. The rare neurological disorder causes the singer’s muscles to stiffen at times, making day-to-day living difficult. Despite her diagnosis, Dion said earlier this spring that she hopes to perform on stage again one day.
Photos surfaced of Dion dancing and getting emotionally invested at the Rolling Stones’ performance at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium recently.
Dion’s dedication to her craft and her health is unwavering. Last month, she revealed on the “Today Show” that she diligently undergoes physical and vocal therapy five days a week, a testament to her determination to overcome her health challenges.
“I [also] work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice,” Dion said.
“I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself. At the beginning, I would ask myself: why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault?” she added.
UNSPECIFIED LOCATION – APRIL 18: In this screengrab, Celine Dion performs during “One World: Together At Home,” presented by Global Citizen on April 18, 2020. The global broadcast and digital special was held to support frontline healthcare workers and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN Foundation. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for Global Citizen )
Dion says that though she desires to perform live onstage again, she’s taking it slow and listening to her body.
“I don’t just want to wait. It’s morally hard to live from day to day. It’s hard, I’m working very hard, and tomorrow will be even harder. Tomorrow is another day. But there’s one thing that will never stop, and that’s the will. It’s the passion. It’s the dream. It’s the determination,” Dion said.
Understanding Stiff Person Syndrome and How Dion’s Coping
Celine Dion said in December 2022 that she was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome. She postponed and/or canceled several concerts scheduled for this Spring and Summer because of her diagnosis.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), stiff-person syndrome is a rare, progressive neurological disorder that causes muscles to stiffen, particularly in the torso, arms, and legs. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the disease affects “only one or two people per million.”
(@recordingacademy/@celinedion/Instagram)
Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shows that it affects women between 20 and 50 years old more often.
“A diagnosis like this for someone like Celine Dion, who was on stage day in and day out, who is a performer, is devastating,” board-certified neurologist and neuro-immunologist Dr. Sharon Stolltold CTV News.
Dion’s condition has led to spasms that have sometimes caused her difficulties walking and prevented Dion from using her vocal cords “the way [she’s] used to.”
In her Instagram video announcement, Dion said, “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”
“I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better, and my precious children are supporting me and giving me hope,” she continued.
Keeping a Positive Mindset
Dion has remained positive throughout her health journey, which isn’t always easy. The mom of three is focused on her family and what brings her joy. Whether it’s supporting her favorite hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers, where she was spotted excitedly cheering the team, or at a concert with her friend, Dion is still making the most of her days when she’s feeling well.
Many people battling a health condition such as a chronic disease or cancer can benefit from a positive attitude.
Dr. Zuri Murrell of Cedars-Sinai says this helps a cancer patient’s prognosis.
“A positive attitude is really important,” Dr. Murrell told SurvivorNet.
“My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK. Now, doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow,” Dr. Murrell says.
WATCH: Focusing on positivity and emotional health.
Other experts SurvivorNet has spoken to recommend that anyone facing cancer prioritize their overall well-being and do the things they love, including focusing on music like Dion.
Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecological oncologist at Arizona Center for Cancer Care, says people with cancer should make time for activities that make them happy.
“We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes,” Chase said.
