Renowned Canadian singer Celine Dion has shared her long-hidden battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a depleting neurological disorder.
In a recent interview with Hoda Kotb on the ‘Today Show‘, Celine Dion revealed her secret struggle, which she endured while supporting her late husband Rene Angelil’s cancer fight and raising their children.
During the interview, the 56-year-old singer confessed to experiencing symptoms as far back as 2008, but didn’t take the time to understand her condition.
She revealed that as her husband fought for his life, she felt the weight of responsibility, raising their children while concealing her own declining health.
According to her, the burden of secrecy finally became too much, prompting her to openly share her diagnosis with the world.
She said:
“We did not know what was going on [with me]. I did not take the time… I should have stopped, took the time to figure it out.
“And like it wasn’t enough, my husband as well is fighting for his own life.
“I had to raise my kids, I had to hide, I had to try to be a hero – while feeling my body leaving me, I was holding on to my own dreams.
“I was unaware of what was happening to my body, and I should have stopped and sought answers.
“I had to be a hero, even as my body was failing me, I was clinging to my dreams, all while hiding my struggles from those who supported me throughout my career.”
Celine Dion had earlier revealed that her illness feels like being strangled.
Celine Dion revealed that she frequently endures excruciating cramps, which have even led to broken ribs on occasion.
“It’s like somebody is strangling you. It’s like somebody is pushing your larynx/pharynx. It was like talking like that, and you cannot go high or lower,” she said.
