Celine Dion is opening up about a frightening health experience during her battle with stiff person syndrome.
The singer, who is documenting her journey with the illness in her upcoming “I Am: Celine Dion” film set to debut on Prime Video next month, revealed that stiff person syndrome nearly claimed her life.
“She is doing much better now, but there was a time when she was on the brink of death, as she mentioned,” stated “Today” show host Hoda Kotb, who shared a sneak peek of her interview with the singer.
Kotb disclosed on Thursday on NBC that she traveled to Las Vegas for an interview with Dion that will be broadcast in a few weeks.
In a teaser for her documentary, Dion expressed her love for singing and performing, as well as her determination to return to the stage despite her challenges.
“I’m putting in the effort every day, but I must admit, it’s been tough. I miss it terribly,” Dion stated in the preview.
“If I can’t run, I’ll walk, if I can’t walk, I’ll crawl — but I won’t give up,” the singer tearfully declared.
Dion first disclosed in the fall of 2022 that she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness, spasms, limited mobility, double vision, and slurred speech, according to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
In December, Dion’s sister Claudette Dion shared an update that Celine Dion had experienced muscle loss of control. Before that, the singer had to cancel her European tour, which was originally planned to run from August 26, 2023 to April 22, 2024.
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Documentary about Celine Dion’s health journey coming to Prime Video
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Despite her challenges, Dion told Vogue France in April that she is maintaining a positive outlook.
“My goal is to live in the moment. One day at a time. I am truly blessed,” said the singer.
“Today, I am a woman who feels empowered and hopeful about the future. One day at a time,” she added.
In February, Dion made a surprising and rare public appearance during the 66th annual Grammy Awards.
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine notes that there is currently no cure for stiff person syndrome, but collaborating with a specialist and managing symptoms can make living with the condition more tolerable.