EntertainmentCéline Dion reveals battle with rare illness and uncertain future

Céline Dion reveals battle with rare illness and uncertain future

Céline Dion opened up about the illness.
Céline Dion opened up about the illness.
Images source: © Getty Images
Merlot
2:57 PM EDT, April 23, 2024

Céline Dion shines as the face of the May issue of French "Vogue." In a revealing interview, accompanied by a bold photo shoot, the icon shared her journey with her illness. The big question remains: Will she return to the stage?

Almost two years back, it was announced that Céline Dion was battling a very rare condition known as stiff person syndrome, or Moersch-Woltmann syndrome, affecting only one in a million people. This incurable disease led to the cancellation of her eagerly awaited "Courage World Tour," initially postponed.

Recent times have shown promising signs of improvement for the star. Her appearance at this year's Grammy Awards and re-engagement with fans on social media hint at a brighter future. Now, at 56, Dion is making headlines again as the face of the May issue of French "Vogue", offering a heartfelt interview about her condition.

Céline Dion speaks candidly about her illness

Dion asserts that she's currently "doing well," despite the relentless nature of her illness, crediting her resilience to her family and fans' unwavering support. Despite daily rehabilitation and vocal practices, the battle is ongoing.

I haven’t beat the disease, as it's still within me and always will be. I hope that we'll find a miracle, a way to cure it with scientific research, but for now, I have to learn to live with it. So that's me, now with Stiff Person Syndrome. Five days a week, I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy. [...] I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself. In the beginning, I would ask myself: why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault?" she said in an interview with French "Vogue".

Concert tour status remains uncertain, says Céline Dion

Fans globally are eager to know whether the anticipated concert tour will take off. As of now, Dion's health situation leaves her undecided about the "Courage World Tour's" future. The mere thought of further postponements disheartens her.

"I can't answer that… Because for four years I've been saying to myself that I'm not going back, that I'm ready, that I'm not ready... [...] My body will tell me. On the other hand, I don't just want to wait. It's morally hard to live from day to day," she added.

The discussed interview was enriched with a daring photo shoot, showcasing Dion in exquisite pieces by renowned designers such as Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Jacquemus, and Saint Laurent. Notably, one cover photo featured Céline in a stunning topless pose.

"Vogue France", May 2024
"Vogue France", May 2024© Instagram
Céline Dion
Céline Dion© Getty Images
Céline Dion
Céline Dion© Getty Images
Céline Dion
Céline Dion© Getty Images
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