Keryn Donnelly
Celine Dion's sister has shared an update on the singer's health following her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome.
Speaking to Le Journal de Montreal, Claudette Dion said the 55-year-old singer is being cared for by their sister Linda and working closely with researchers who specialise in the rare condition.
"We can't find any medicine that works, but having hope is important," she said.
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"I honestly think that she mostly needs to rest.
"She always goes above and beyond [when performing], she always tries to be the best and top of her game.
"At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It's important to listen to it."
Claudette told the publication that although she's not always able to talk to Dion personally, she has been receiving regular updates from Linda.
“When I call her and she’s busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she’s working hard,” she said.
“She’s listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible.”
In December 2022, Dion announced she had been diagnosed with the rare and uncurable neurological disorder and would need to postpone some of her shows.
"I miss you all so much and I can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now," she said on a video posted on Instagram.
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”
She went on to explain her diagnosis, 'which affects something like one in a million people'.
According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation the disease causes muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, chronic pain and heightened anxiety.
In May, Dion announced she was cancelling her Courage World Tour.
"It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour," she wrote.
"I'm so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I'm working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you're 100 per cent.
"It's not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it's best that we cancel everything now until I'm really ready to be back on stage again.
"I want you all to know, I'm not giving up… and I can't wait to see you again!"