Canadian singer Celine Dion took to social media ahead of Thanksgiving Day to remind her fans and followers what the holiday is all about as she continues to battle a rare autoimmune disorder known as stiff person syndrome (SPS).
“Dear friends, today is a beautiful reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and give thanks,” Dion, 57, shared in a Nov. 26 video.
“There’s something so powerful about gathering with the people you love, whether around the full table, over the phone, or even just in your heart.”
Dion has three sons with her now late husband, René Angélil, a Canadian music producer and talent manager who began managing the “My Heart Will Go On” singer when she was just 12 years old. He died in 2016 at the age of 73 from throat cancer.
In her video message, Dion noted that she was especially grateful for the time she is able to spend with loved ones.
“I’m so thankful to my family and our moments together that mean the world to me,” she said. “May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, with peace, and with gratitude for everything, even the little things. Happy Thanksgiving, from me and my family, to you and yours.”
Dion was diagnosed with SPS in 2022. The neurological disorder is more common among women than men, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, and often develops in people who are between 40 and 50 years old.
The exact cause of SPS remains unclear. However, Yale Medicine reports that experts believe it arises when the body attacks nerve cells responsible for regulating muscle movement.
SPS is marked by painful muscle spasms and stiffness that usually worsen over time. There is currently no cure for the disorder, but treatments can help mitigate symptoms, which may also include trouble walking, slurred speech, and impaired vision.
Dion publicly announced her diagnosis in a since-deleted December 2022 Instagram video.
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” she said.
“While we are still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I have been having. 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.”
Dion said she enlisted the help of a sports medicine therapist to rebuild her strength so she could get back on the stage. However, she was ultimately forced to cancel all of her remaining tour dates.
“I have to admit it’s been a struggle,” she said. “All I know is singing—it’s what I’ve done all my life, and it’s what I love to do the most.”
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