
Celine Dion let the cameras roll despite her punishing health issues.
This article contains spoilers for the I Am: Celine Dion documentary.
Celine Dion continues to go on in her new documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, despite battling Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune disease that causes severe spasms, slurred speech, and difficulty walking.
Dion disclosed her illness in December 2022, stating that it prevented her from singing as she was accustomed to. She revealed that she grappled with symptoms for 17 years before receiving a diagnosis in August of the same year.
The film, released on Prime Video, features a candid scene where the 56-year-old artist experiences a seizure during a physical therapy session. In this raw moment, she moans in pain while her therapist and other medical workers care for her. Director Irene Taylor initially hesitated to include this scene, but Dion herself insisted it remain, not wanting anything to be cut from the film. The Grammy-winning singer stated, ‘I think this film can help me. I think this film can help others understand what it’s like to be in my body.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. ?
— Ryan Shead (@RyanShead) June 26, 2024
Celine Dion released a documentary today, and she shows us just how bad Stiff Person Syndrome is on her body and voice.
She says she is embarrassed when an episode hits, to which I say absolutely ridiculous. Celine Dion is a warrior!
We… pic.twitter.com/LWnkNOdQw0
In my opinion, Celine’s decision to include this vulnerable moment in the film is incredibly brave and inspiring. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, SPS affects only one or two people per million, making it a rare condition. While I don’t suffer from it myself, I imagine that those affected by the illness will feel heard seeing their experiences portrayed so prominently.
I wish Celine and everyone else affected the best of health.
My name is Josie! Lover of music, video games, and other silly stuff. I also own too many plushies.