Celine Dion is offering a heartfelt and candid look into her ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome in her new Prime Video documentary, *I Am Celine Dion*. The legendary singer shares her personal journey with the rare autoimmune neurological condition, detailing her 17-year struggle and the profound impact it has had on her life and career.
The documentary captures intimate moments of Celine dealing with her condition, including a powerful scene where she is encouraged by her medical team to squeeze their hands, marking a small victory in her fight against the syndrome. “Excellent, good,” they cheer as she responds positively. These moments, recorded at 7:40 AM, show Celine’s resilience as she slowly emerges from a spasm episode.
Celine, 56, openly discusses the onset of her symptoms. “Seventeen years ago, I started to experience some voice spasming,” she reveals. “I woke up one morning after breakfast, and my voice started to go up and down. It freaked me out because, as a singer, your voice might drop a note or two when you’re tired, but this was different.”
With tears in her eyes, she explains how the condition affects her ability to sing. “When I try to breathe, my lungs are fine, but the muscles around them are so rigid. It’s like my body knows what to do, but I can’t control it.” She also shares the emotional toll of not wanting her fans to hear the struggle in her voice, emphasizing her dedication to her craft despite the challenges.
Celine candidly talks about the medication she has taken to manage her condition, revealing that she used to take 80 to 90 milligrams of Valium daily. “I needed those medicines to walk, to swallow, to function. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but I could have died.”
In raw and emotional moments, Celine breaks down, admitting she felt like she was lying to her audience when she had to cancel shows. “I can’t lie anymore,” she says. “Sometimes I would point my microphone towards the audience to make them sing or tap it like it was the microphone’s fault.”
The documentary also revisits her 2022 announcement of her stiff person syndrome diagnosis. Despite her struggles, Celine remains determined to use her voice again. “If it works, I will be the happiest,” she says during a recording session. “It’s all about me making a step.”
One of the most poignant scenes shows Celine experiencing a medical crisis while receiving physical therapy. Her team rushes to assist her, administering medication and offering comfort. “It’s okay, everything’s okay,” they reassure her. The footage, raw and authentic, serves as a stark reminder of her daily battles.
Celine concludes the documentary on a hopeful note, demonstrating her unwavering spirit. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop,” she declares, her voice a powerful testament to her enduring strength.
*I Am Celine Dion* is a moving portrayal of a beloved artist’s journey through adversity, showcasing her courage, vulnerability, and unyielding passion for music.4
