Celine Dion's heartbreaking health update
Celine Dion's sister has shared a grim update on the singer's condition, eight months after she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.
In December 2022, Celine was diagnosed with the rare and incurable neurological disorder, which forced her to cancel her 2023 world tour.
Stiff person syndrome is an incurable neurological condition that results in uncontrollable muscle spasms, which affects just one in every one million people.
Now, her sister Claudette has shared that Celine, 55, is being cared for by their sister Linda and is working closely with researchers who specialise in the rare condition.
Speaking to Le Journal de Montreal, Claudette said finding treatment for the disease is proving to be a challenge.
"We can't find any medicine that works, but having hope is important," Claudette revealed.
She continued, "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."
However, Celine has been "listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible" and the family "trusts" that she will one day find a means of rehabilitation that will allow her to return to the stage.
"[Performing] is innate to her, she's disciplined in every area of her life," Claudette added.
When she's unable to speak one-on-one with Celine, Claudette is provided health updates by Linda, who is now living with the singer at her Las Vegas home.
"When I call [Celine] and she's busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she's working hard," she told the outlet.
Fans of the singer were devastated to hear about her diagnosis, while many were also heartbroken over the Courage World Tour cancellation.
In December, Celine announced that it is with "tremendous disappointment" she would be unable to perform on her world tour.
"It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour," she wrote on Instagram.
"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%."
"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!"
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