Celine Dion has opened up about her battle with stiff person syndrome in a rare interview with Vogue France.
The hitmaker, 55, looked sensational as she wowed in a racy shoot for the magazine while posing topless in an oversized white shirt and shorts.
The singer, who revealed she had been diagnosed with the rare neurological disease in an emotional video back in 2022, shared how she deals with the syndrome day to day as she confessed she ‘takes it one day at a time’ and is ‘learning to live with it’.
Asked how she is doing, she replied: ‘I’m well, but it’s a lot of work. I’m taking it one day at a time.’
Explaining how she manages the condition she explained: ‘Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy. I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself.
Celine Dion has made her grand return in a daring topless shoot as she shared how she manages her battle with stiff person syndrome and revealed whether she will ever take the stage again
The singer shared how she deals with the rare neurological disease day to day as she confessed she ‘takes it one day at a time’ and is ‘learning to live with it’
‘At the beginning I would ask myself: why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault? Life doesn’t give you any answers. You just have to live it!’
Celine added: ‘I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!’
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a degenerative condition that causes muscles to tense and spasm uncontrollably. Ultimately, it leaves sufferers resembling ‘human statues as it progressively locks the body, leaving people unable to walk or talk.
Currently, there is no cure for SPS, but there are steps that can be taken to slow down symptoms – something Celine revealed she is exploring.
The star last made a surprise appearance onstage at the Grammy Awards in February, as she presented Taylor Swift with her Album of the Year Award, following several years out the spotlight.
It was the first time she had been seen out in public for months, and now Celine has also revealed whether she will ever take to the stage to perform again.
In her candid response she replied: ‘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.
‘As things stand, I can’t stand here and say to you: ‘Yes, in four months.’ I don’t know… My body will tell me.’
The accompanying Vogue shots were stunning and as well as the topless snap she also posed in a leggy brown ensemble
She then changed into a white structured dress and sheer tights as she fixed the camera with a sultry stare
Explaining how she manages the condition she explained: ‘Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy. I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself’
The star last made a surprise appearance onstage at the Grammy Awards in February and has now revealed she doesn’t know if she will ever perform again: ‘I don’t know… My body will tell me’
The accompanying Vogue shots were stunning and as well as the topless snap she also posed in a dramatic white puffy gown.
Another saw her flashing some leg in a chic brown suede dress and oversized coat, before changing into a white structured dress and sheer tights.
The Montreal-born singer announced in 2022 she was suffering from the degenerative disorder, which is called Moersch-Woltman Syndrome by medical professionals, after speculation about her health mounted following concert postponements.
In the video, posted on Instagram in December 2022, she said: ‘While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the [muscle] spasms I’ve been having.’
As she explained her diagnosis to her followers, Celine said: ‘Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.’
With a career lasting almost forty years, the star also spoke to Vogue about fame and he determination to never give up.
‘Celebrity has made me want to never give up on anything. I was born to communicate on stage, with my team, and with my voice, and with my fans. It’s about sharing. I was born to do that.’
Celine concluded: ‘My dream is to live in the present. Today, I am a woman, who feels strong and positive about the future. One day at a time.’
The singer was forced to cancel her European tour in February 2023 due to her symptoms.
She told fans: ‘I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me help.’
‘I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build bac my strength and my ability to perform again but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.
The Montreal-born singer revealed in an emotional video message posted on Instagram in 2022 that she has been diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition known as ‘stiff person syndrome’
‘All I know is singing; it’s what I’ve done all my life and its what I love to do the most.
‘I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you.
‘I always give 100 percent when I do my show but my condition is now allowing me to give you that right now.
‘For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment, and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery.’
