Celine Dion has given fans an update on her health for Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) Awareness Aay (Friday 15 March).
The 55-year-old singer was out of the public eye for three-and-a-half years before returning to the spotlight in 2023.
Chantal Machabée, a rep for the Montreal Canadiens hockey team spoke to People at the time and insisted it was a ‘very good day.’
“She’s been through a lot, and to see her like this and smiling and being so happy…it’s amazing.”
“I know she has good days and not so good days, but this was a very good day, and it was reassuring,” 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 now.
Celine Dion has revealed in a video that she was suffering from SPS. Credit: Getty Images/Getty Images for Global Citizen
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.
“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 assured fans at the time that she was determined to carry on singing and that the disease wasn’t going to hold her back.
“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.”
Now, in a picture posted to Instagram for SPS Awareness Day, Celine has shared an update on her health with fans, whilst raising awareness for the rare syndrome.
She wrote in a 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!”