Céline Dion reveals more about her health, treating stiff person syndrome, in new interview

Helen Surgenor · CBC News

· Posted: Aug 19, 2026 12:30 PM EDT | Last Updated: 10 minutes ago

As Céline Dion prepares for her five-week residency in Paris to begin next month, she's revealing more details about her illness and what she's been doing to treat it.

The Canadian superstar disclosed in an exclusive Harper's Bazaar profile that she had symptoms of stiff person syndrome for 17 years before she was formally diagnosed in 2022 with the rare neurological autoimmune disorder.

The pain, which began flaring up in 2020, was so severe that some days she could barely walk, she told the magazine. At times, she needed a high dose of Valium to function.

Stiff person syndrome is a progressive disorder that generally gets worse over time. It affects one or two people out of every million. Symptoms can include rigid muscles and painful spasms, triggered by stress, loud noises or sudden movement. There is no clear cause, and no regulator-approved treatment specifically for the condition, though other therapies can help manage it.

• What is stiff person syndrome?

Before her diagnosis, when she had to cancel a show, she'd offer a reason that concealed the true extent of her pain — often blaming a cough or sinus infection.

Dion told Harper's she could feel that something more serious was going on. She said this made her feel like she was lying to her fans, the very people whose support allowed her to later pursue extensive treatment.

"They paid for tickets,” she told the magazine. "They bought my records. They gave me that luxury."

Following her diagnosis, Dion cancelled all her remaining shows. She has not performed publicly since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but she is planning to return to the stage in September.

Dion's intense recovery regimen

Dion has reportedly been following an intense recovery regimen that includes medication, physical therapy, vocal therapy and immunotherapy.

The magazine also said she is doing 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week, plus ballet classes twice a week, to prepare for her upcoming shows.

WATCH | Céline Dion vows to sing again in interview with Adrienne Arsenault:

In the Harper's story, reporter Jazmine Hughes described the singer as being constantly motion— almost afraid to sit still for too long, in case she freezes up again.

• Céline Dion adds 6 more dates to her Paris comeback run

Dion considers her recovery and the ability to perform again a miracle that she said she isn't taking for granted.

"If you don’t want to sign autographs and you don’t want to get yourself pretty and you don’t want to be disturbed because your pasta is going to get cold, you can always stay home," she said. "But look at what you have.”

As for how she's doing now, Dion told Harper's she's feeling strong, excited and a little nervous—but ready to come back.

Her Paris residency includes 26 concerts running between Sept. 12 and May 29 next year.