Céline Dion is an icon. Throughout her career that had lasted through many decades, the Canadian singer has made history. Her hit songs like My Heart Will Go On are known by anyone. Really, we dare you to find someone who doesn't know Céline Dion!
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On top of her hits, the singer gained fame thanks to her incredibly energetic performances. During her residency in Las Vegas which lasted 8 years she gave her everything on stage, night after night.
Unfortunately, for the last few years her life has been hit by several tragedies. First, in 2016, her husband passed away. And, in December 2022, the singer announced that she had been diagnosed with a very serious health condition that forced her to cancel her World Tour.
Céline Dion's health update
In December 2022, singer Céline Dion announced that she had been diagnosed with 'stiff person syndrome.' According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the syndrome can be defined as 'a rare, progressive neurological disorder.' The symptoms of the disorder include 'stiff muscles in the trunk (torso), arms, and legs' as well as 'greater sensitivity to noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.'
This is a very serious condition that can lead to a person no longer being able to 'walk or move.' Luckily, the NINDS says that there are possible treatments which can help to keep the disorder 'under control.'
Unfortunately, according to Céline Dion's sister, Claudette, this is not the case for the singer.
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Céline Dion is struggling to find the right medication
According to her sister Claudette, who gave an interview to Le Journal de Montréal, her sister Céline is really struggling with her diagnosis. Indeed, even though the singer is working closely with researchers and specialists, it seems like they still can't pinpoint the right treatment.
Claudette says:
We can't find any medicine that works, but having hope is important
Claudette also adds that she wants her sister to 'rest'. She continues:
She always goes above and beyond [when performing], she always tries to be the best and top of her game
At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It's important to listen to it.
Claudette also talks about how Céline Dion is supported by her family. Indeed, Claudette reveals that their sister Linda has moved in with the singer in Las Vegas in order to care for her. In a statement released in December 2022, Dion also shared that her children are alongside her in this continuous battle.
Céline Dion's siblings
Céline Dion is part of a very large family. Indeed she has 13 siblings of whom she is the youngest.
Her siblings haven't all followed in her footsteps. Well technically, as they are all older than her, she'd be the one to follow. Her sister Claudette who gave the health update is also a musician and has released a couple of albums. Other siblings of the All By Myself singer share the music gene. Never to the level of the superstar Céline Dion but this is sure to have kept the family close together.
Moreover, it has been reported that Céline has remained close to her siblings even as she climbed the fame ladder. Indeed, she allegedly made her sister Manon her personal assistant.
Her brother Michel was also part of Céline Dion's team as she hired him to join her production team. He only left it when he retired in 2019.
Unfortunately for us, we do not know much about her sister Linda who has made the decision to move in with her sister following her diagnosis. All we know is that Linda doesn't have any children.
The family keep in touch regarding the singer's health as Claudette reveals in her interview saying:
When I call [Celine] and she's busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she's working hard
Read more:
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Sources:
Mail Online: Celine Dion's sister Claudette shares grim update on the singer's health as she battles stiff person syndrome: 'We can't find any medicine that works'
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
oldest.org: Celine Dion’s 13 Siblings Ranked Oldest to Youngest