In December 2022, Céline Dion publicly revealed that, after months of dealing with health issues like muscle spasms and stiffness, she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune disorder.
The Mayo Clinic describes Stiff Person Syndrome as “a rare disorder of motor function characterized by involuntary stiffness of the axial muscles and painful muscle spasms, often triggered by startle or emotional stimuli.”
Since her diagnosis, Dion has been candid about how SPS has impacted her life and career, and she has expressed deep gratitude for the support she has received from her fans.
Despite this, she has made several public appearances recently, including a surprise appearance at the 2024 GRAMMYs and attending hockey games with her sons.
This film, directed by Oscar-nominated Irene Taylor, offers a close look at Dion’s personal and professional life as she manages SPS and strives to continue performing for her dedicated fans.
In a press release for the documentary, Dion reflected on her challenging recent years, saying, “The journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with it has been tough, but I refuse to let it define me. As I work towards resuming my career, I have realized how much I miss performing and seeing my fans.
Dion has also shared why she chose to publicly discuss her health struggles despite her initial desire for privacy. During a recent conversation with Hoda Kotb on the Today Show, she explained that her initial reluctance was due to her struggle to understand her condition.
Dion’s initial announcement about her diagnosis came in December 2022 through an Instagram video, where she addressed the postponement of several performances.