"Sometimes, when it's very severe, it can break some ribs"— Celine Dion opens up about debilitating health battle with stiff person syndrome

Recently, Celine Dion provided an update on her health and how it has affected her daily life and career. On Friday, June 7, 2024, the All by Myself singer opened up to TODAY about her experience with stiff person syndrome. This interview is just a clip of the actual NBC interview, which is set for later this month.

Dion discussed the challenges of performing and singing with stiff person syndrome with Hoda Kotb of the magazine. The singer further described the syndrome as feeling as though someone was strangling her.

She then showed Kotb the physical manifestations of stiff person syndrome. As she applied pressure with her fingers inside her throat, she claimed that it felt like someone was pressing her larynx and pharynx.

She further said:

“Sometimes, when it’s very severe, it can break some ribs.”

---

Singer Celine Dion talks about her stiff person syndrome in a recent interview

Celine Dion has been diagnosed with the syndrome in 2022 (Image via Getty)

Celine Dion recently opened up about how her stiff person syndrome diagnosis made her postpone her 2023 Courage world tour. This time, the renowned performer talked about how trying to sing while dealing with the neurological illness feels.

In an exclusive clip of the NBC interview, released on TODAY on Friday, June 7, she talked candidly about her health. This is the first she appeared on television since she disclosed her illness in 2022. She also discussed how the syndrome affected her voice.

In addition to affecting Dion's spine, ribs, and abdomen, the stiff person syndrome has severely damaged Dion's ability to sing. This incurable illness also comes with severe muscular stiffness.

The singer of My Heart Will Go On added that her muscular spasms can be extremely painful and even result in major injuries. Raising her voice to indicate the effect, she disclosed everything to Hoda Kotb in the clip from the interview that appeared on TODAY on Friday.

Dion continued:

"It gets into a spasm. It started [in the throat]. [And I thought], 'No, OK, it’s gonna be fine.’ But it can also be the abdominal, can be in the spine, can be in the ribs."

By resting her fingers on her throat and speaking in a strained, high-pitched voice, the vocalist further illustrated the effect. She claimed that it seemed as though she was limited to speaking in that manner.

She continued talking about the medical issue, the cramps in her body, describing them as sometimes extremely terrible, and comparing them to a broken set of ribs. She went on by pointing out that there were instances when the stiffness felt immobile.

She said:

"It feels like, if I point my feet, they will stay in [that position]. Or, if I cook — because I love to cook — my fingers, my hands, will get in position. ... It’s cramping but it’s like in a position where you cannot unlock them."

Dion has been mostly out of the spotlight and unable to tour due to the syndrome, but in February 2024, she made an unexpected cameo at the Grammy Awards and received a standing ovation.

---

Celine Dion’s interview will be telecasted on TV

Celine Dion has made some recent public appearances despite her diagnosis. She attended a Rolling Stones performance in May 2024 with her sons, made an unexpected appearance at the Grammy Awards in February 2024, and watched a hockey game in October 2023 with her son.

Celine Dion is all set for her documentary (Image via Getty)

Now, Dion is sharing everything about her health struggle in a new documentary called I Am: Celine Dio, which is available on Amazon MGM. Starting on June 25, 2024, interested people can watch it on Prime Video. She further stated in the clip:

"I'm working hard every day, but I have to admit it's been a struggle. I miss it so much, the people. I miss them."

NBC will feature the entire one-hour interview on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 10 pm ET.