Celine Dion Reveals How Stiff Person Syndrome Led to Her Broken Ribs

It’s been two years since Celine Dion was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disorder, Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), in 2022. Now, the legendary singer is opening up about the challenges the neurological condition has brought to her life and career.

In her first public appearance since the diagnosis, Dion candidly discussed her health battle with SPS and its impact on her ability to sing. She demonstrated the syndrome’s effect on her throat and explained how severe muscle spasms can even fracture ribs. Fans have long awaited such an honest glimpse of the 56-year-old star, and TODAY provided an exclusive preview of an upcoming NBC interview. In this interview, Dion shared the terrifying consequences of SPS and her struggles.

Also Read: Céline Dion Reveals Raw Look at Life-Altering Illness in New Documentary Trailer

During the conversation with journalist Hoda Kotb, Dion revealed that she had experienced broken ribs due to the severity of her muscle spasms. “I had broken ribs at one point because sometimes when it’s very severe, it can break some ribs,” she explained, leaving Kotb visibly stunned by the intensity of the condition.

Dion elaborated on how SPS causes progressive muscular stiffness, affecting not just the throat, but also the abdomen, spine, and ribs. She demonstrated the spasms’ physical effects by speaking in a high-pitched, strained voice, likening the sensation to being strangled. Dion has endured much in silence since her diagnosis, but now she is ready to share her journey. 

She will delve deeper into her experiences in an upcoming Amazon MGM documentary, ‘I Am Celine Dion,’ set to premiere later this month. The documentary promises to offer insightful glimpses into her career and the impact of her health struggles. In the trailer, Dion emotionally expresses how much she misses performing for her fans, saying, “I miss it so much. The people. I miss them.”

Amid her battle with SPS, Dion had to make the tough decision to cancel the remainder of her 2023 Courage World Tour, as she was “unable to successfully prepare for and perform the remainder,” according to People. 

– Farheen Ali