Celine Dion has given her followers an update on her health amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome.

The 'My Heart Will Go On' megastar had left the public eye for just under four years before making a return to the spotlight last year.

In 2022, Dion revealed on social media that she had been diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease known as Stiff Person Syndrome.

She wrote: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can't wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know I've always been an open book and I wasn't ready to say anything before but I'm ready.

"Recently I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff-person syndrome which affects one in a million people. While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what's been causing all the spasms I've been having."

She did, however, emphasize to her fans that she wanted to continue her career in the music industry.

"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," she added.

On Friday (March 15), which is Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) Awareness Day, Dion shared an update on her health in an attempt to raise awareness of the rare condition.

She penned in the heartfelt caption: "Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day.

"As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible.

She continued: "I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!

"I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!"

Needless to say, the singer's comments have been inundated with support from her followers.

Featured image credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty

Celina Dion has shared a devastating update amid her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.

In 2022, the 'My Heart Will Go On' hitmaker revealed in a video posted on her social media that she had been diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease known as Stiff Person Syndrome.

Watch Dion's heartbreaking address below:

She said: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can't wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know I've always been an open book and I wasn't ready to say anything before but I'm ready."

"Recently I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff-person syndrome which affects one in a million people. While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what's been causing all the spasms I've been having," she added.

The 56-year-old songstress emphasized in her emotional address that she wants to continue her career in the music industry.

"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," she added.

SPS is "characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms," according to Brain Facts.

A year on from her devastating diagnosis, the singer graced the cover of French Vogue - marking her decisive return to the limelight.

During her interview with the publication, she opened up about her health battle, revealing: "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," she said.

Dion revealed that for five days a week, she undergoes "athletic, physical, and vocal therapy," saying: “I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice… I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself."

She then heartbreakingly shared that at the beginning of her diagnosis, she would often ask herself "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. I have this illness for some unknown reason," the artist noted.

The 'Power Of Love' vocalist then candidly spoke about how she lives her life now, and said she feels as if she only has two choices: “Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over.”

Dion then disclosed that amid her battle, she's "working very hard and tomorrow will be even harder. Tomorrow is another day," adding: “But there's one thing that will never stop, and that’s the will. It’s the passion. It's the dream. It’s the determination.”

Though the Grammy-winning star couldn’t state when or even whether she’ll be ready to perform again, she emphasized the “gift” of support from her family and “the means to have good doctors and good treatments".

“What’s more, I have this strength within me,” Dion concluded. “I know that nothing is going to stop me."

Featured image credit: Emma McIntyre / Getty

Celine Dion no longer has "control over her muscles," according to an update shared by her older sister Claudette.

Last December, the 55-year-old 'My Heart Will Go On' hitmaker announced on social media that she was canceling her upcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.

Celine posted a video, talking about prioritizing her health during this difficult time, saying: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.

"I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it has been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through, " she continued.

"Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects one in a million people," she told her followers.

When discussing how the disease has impacted aspects of her life, the star 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 chords to sing the way I'm used to."

Stiff person syndrome - also known as SPS or stiff-man syndrome - is a rare and incurable neurological disease that causes progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms.

It affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, and rigidity can fluctuate, mainly affecting the torso, arms, and legs.

It is more commonly seen in women than men and can be exacerbated by noise, touch, and emotional distress, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

The 'All By Myself' musician's older sibling has now given an update to fans on how Celine is doing with the neurological disorder.

Speaking to Canada’s 7 Jours (via the Daily Mail), Claudette revealed that her sister is "working hard" but has lost the ability to "control her muscles," adding: "What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined. She’s always worked hard. Our mother always told her, 'You’re going to do it well, you’re going to do it properly.'"

Back in May, the Canadian musician was forced to pull the remaining dates of her Courage world tour, and explained on Instagram that she was "working really hard to build back my strength".

"I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again...It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again," she added.

However, in the new interview, Claudette played down the possibility of her returning to full-scale touring, stating: "It’s true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know."

The 'Power Of Love' vocalist's sister told the publication that the rarity of the condition - which is thought to affect just one in a million people - means progress has been slow.

"The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle. This is what comes to get me. Because it’s one out of a million cases, the scientists haven’t done that much research because it didn’t affect that many people," Claudette shared.

She added that Celine and her family remain hopeful as the musician's family charity, Fondation Maman Dion, has been inundated with messages of support for the star.

"Some people have lost hope because it’s an illness that isn’t well known. If only you knew the number of phone calls the Foundation gets about Celine!", Claudette said. "People tell us they love her and they’re praying for her. She gets so many messages, presents, and blessed crucifixes."

Featured image credit: Adrian Edwards / Getty

Celine Dion has shared a major update as she prepares for her highly anticipated return to the stage following her stiff person syndrome diagnosis.

The 58-year-old singer has performed just once in the past six years after the rare neurological condition forced her to step away from touring.

Now, Dion is revealing to Harper's Bazaar that she's been undergoing a rigorous fitness routine ahead of her 10-date residency in Paris, France.

Celine Dion shares major update 4 years after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty

The 'My Heart Will Go On' vocalist is doing 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week, as well as twice-weekly ballet classes with a local company.

"It is a progressive condition. I don’t like to say 'disease.' Disease makes you go like this," she said, scrunching her nose and adding: "'Kevin, you’re such a disease.'"

Celine Dion prepares for stage comeback

Dion was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, also known as SPS, in 2022 after years of symptoms and a flare-up in 2020.

The condition eventually forced her to cancel the remaining dates of her Courage World Tour.

"It’s been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I’ve missed them," she told Harper's Bazaar.

In March, Dion announced a 10-night residency at the 40,000-capacity Paris La Défense Arena in September and October.

She has since added extra dates due to "overwhelming demand," including 10 more shows in May.

Announcing the comeback on her birthday, she called it "the best gift of my life."

"I'm so ready to do this. I'm feeling good, I'm strong, I'm feeling excited, obviously, [and] of course, a little nervous," she said. "I'm doing great, managing my health, feeling good. I'm singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing."

What is stiff person syndrome?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, SPS is "named after the symptoms that were originally described with the condition: episodes of muscles locking up and becoming stiff as a board."

The rare autoimmune neurological condition can cause muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and worsen over time.

It is believed to affect one to two people per million, with women twice as likely to be diagnosed as men.

There is no cure, but specialists can help patients manage symptoms with treatments including anti-seizure drugs, painkillers, anti-anxiety medication, and muscle relaxants.

When Dion revealed her diagnosis in 2022, she explained how the condition had affected her ability to perform.

"Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life," she said. "Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to."

Dion's battle with the condition was documented in the 2024 film I Am: Celine Dion.

That same year, she made her only stage appearance in six years when she performed Edith Piaf's 'L'Hymne à L'Amour' during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

Featured image credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Celine Dion has revealed that she is battling a neurological disease.

The 54-year-old Canadian music icon took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the devastating news to her 5.2 million fans in a series of video posts spoken in both English and French.

In her message, the legendary singer said: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.

"As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I'm ready now."

Her message continued: "I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and its been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.

"Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects 1 in a million people."

Stiff person syndrome - also known as SPS or stiff-man syndrome - is defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) as "a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease. SPS is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.

"While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having," Dion added.

NINDS adds that although "scientists don’t yet understand what causes SPS", patients can be treated with high doses of diazepam and several anti-convulsants, gabapentin, and tiagabine.

The 'My Heart Will Go On' singer continued: "Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I'm used to.

"It hurts me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February

"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."

In the caption to her post, Dion revealed that she would be canceling eight of her shows and rescheduling the Spring concerts for the summer

Our best wishes go out to Dion and her loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy