Canadian singer - She released her first single at the age of twelve - the unique career of Céline Dion
In December 2022, Céline Dion shared a video on her Instagram account announcing that she is terminally ill. The singer was diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes severe spasms and rigidity throughout the body. The extent to which Dion's life is affected by the disease is revealed in the documentary "I Am: Céline Dion," currently available on Amazon Prime Video.
The 56-year-old allowed Oscar-nominated director and producer Irene Taylor Brodsky to follow her for several months in her home in Las Vegas. The documentary shows the medications Dion takes, her struggle with sports to alleviate her symptoms, and what it looks like when Dion's entire body is seized by a seizure.
She has difficulty walking, speaking, and, for her, perhaps most distressingly, singing, as her vocal cords also cramp. "My voice defined my life," Dion says in one scene. The fact that she can no longer perform as she did for decades is hard for her to accept. Given her extraordinary career, this is a significant challenge for her.
A comprehensive review of the "I Am: Céline Dion" documentary can be read here.
- Many fans and well-wishers have shown their support for Céline Dion after her disease diagnosis, leaving heartfelt messages on her Instagram posts.
- The documentation of Dion's life with Stiff-Person Syndrome has not only provided entertainment but also raised awareness about the rare neurological condition on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime.
- Amidst the challenges, Dion has found solace in listening to music, including her own, as a form of entertainment, even if she can no longer perform herself.