Celine Dion's Emotional Bombshell: Stiff-Person Syndrome Symptoms Started During Husband's Cancer Battle

Celine Dion has been increasingly transparent about her journey with Stiff-Person Syndrome.

During her interview with Today host Hoda Kotb which will be released on Tuesday, Dion revealed a surprising insight about her illness.

The 56-year-old singer opened up about not pausing to address her concerns while caring for her late husband, René Angélil, who was battling throat cancer. She regretted not taking time to focus on herself amid the challenging circumstances.

"We did not know what was going on. I did not take the time I should have stopped, take the time to figure it out."

She added, "My husband as well was fighting for his own life. I had to raise my kids, I had to hide. I had to try to be a hero."

Amid the whirlwind that swept over her life, the "My Heart Will Go On" songstress found herself grappling with the reality of her situation.

"Feeling my body leaving me, holding on to my own dreams."

Upon reflection, Dion realized that hiding her illness was no longer sustainable.

The diva confessed, "I could not do this anymore."

"Lying for me, the burden was too much. Lying to the people who got me where I am today, I could not do it anymore."

During the broadcast, Kotb conversed with her Today show colleagues about Dion's recent revelation regarding her struggle with Stiff-Person Syndrome, following a sneak peek of their interview shown last week.

Kotb revealed, "She had it for 17 years and she didn't know what was wrong and she was worried."

"Her voice was gone, her body was failing her, she was tripping and falling, all these things were happening."

Dion, who is focused on her recovery and not embarking on a tour, acknowledged the illness's impact on her well-being.

Describing her experience, the "All By Myself" singer likened it to a sensation of being constricted, stating how it feels "like somebody's strangling you," adding, "It's like somebody's pushing your larynx, pharynx, this way."

The singer, who last performed live in 2019, said, "It's like you're talking like that, and you cannot go higher or lower."

Dion also revealed that the uncommon neurological disorder causes muscle spasms that can occur in several areas, such as the abdomen, spine, and ribs. She also shared that she has experienced broken ribs as a result of the severe spasms at times.

In her upcoming documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, premiering on Prime Video on June 25, Dion will dig deeper into her journey and share more about her life experiences.

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