Céline Dion opens up about stiff-person syndrome treatment ahead of Paris shows

Céline Dion told Harper's Bazaar that she experienced stiff-person syndrome symptoms for nearly two decades before a 2022 diagnosis confirmed the rare autoimmune disorder. Pain spikes began in 2020, sometimes leaving her unable to walk without strong Valium. The progressive disease, affecting roughly one or two per million, triggers muscle rigidity and spasms from stress or sudden movements, and lacks a regulator-approved cure.

After learning of her condition, Dion cancelled all pending shows and has not performed publicly since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her recovery plan now combines medication, physical and vocal therapy, immunotherapy, three weekly 90-minute Pilates sessions and twice-weekly ballet classes. She expressed feeling strong, excited and a bit nervous as she readies for a residency of 26 concerts from September through May.