Celine Dion broke down in tears as she demonstrated how her iconic singing voice sounds due to her stiff person syndrome diagnosis.
The legendary pop star, 56, has given fans an insight into her struggle in her new Amazon Prime documentary I Am Celine Dion and heartbreaking scenes see her detailing how much her life has been impacted by SPS. In one scene Celine attempts to sing as she explains how the health condition has robbed her of her identity.
She said: "When I try to breathe my lungs are fine it’s what in front of my lungs are so rigid because of sps.” She then broke down and sobbed after attempting to sing for the camera with her vocals sounded broken and strained.
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'Syndrome Celine Dion diagnosed with left me unable to put my socks on'Fighting through her tears Celine continued: “That’s what happens, and it’s very difficult for me to hear that and to show this to you. I don’t want people to hear that.” Celine then reflected on her past career and her undeniable talent as she continued to sob adding: "I think I was very good, I think I had some stuff that was amazing.
"But there’s been moments where I had to go to the studio and I knew they wanted Celine Dion. Celine Dion is the one who sang all by myself anymore to the highest note ever. She’s the best.”
The iconic songstress, 56, was diagnosed with the life-altering condition in 2022 and took a step away from the public eye as she came to terms with the revelation. The rare neurological disorder includes symptoms including muscle stiffness and spasms, which could worsen over time.
Speaking to E! News at the premiere of the documentary, the My Heart Will Go On star thanked her fans for their support and encouragement, insisting they have helped her enormously.
She added that she felt fans "deserved to know" about her condition. "It's not about choosing what you have, it's dealing with what's happening," Celine said. She went on to say she's hoping being open about her condition will raise awareness and show those who have it there are not alone.
"I hope that this will give them wings and strength to reach out and talk to people and say it's worth it," she said. "We're all worth it, and I'm just thankful."
Celine, who is mother to René-Charles, 23, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13, explained she stayed quiet initially while doctors worked hard to determine what was wrong. Stiff Person Syndrome is said to have been diagnosed in fewer than 5,000 people in the US, with the condition often mistaken for Parkinson's disease.
Healthline reports the main warning sign of the condition is muscle stiffness and also includes limb stiffness, stiff muscles in the trunk, painful muscle spasms, difficulty walking, sensory issue and posture problems from rigid back muscles.
Some who suffer from the condition can also experience anxiety, hyperhidrosis (abnormal excessive sweating), and agoraphobia - a fear of public spaces.