Celine Dion reveals she ‘almost died’ after Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis

Global singing sensation Celine Dion hasn't been performing in recent years, and that's been to an ongoing health battle she's been facing.

In December 2022, the award winning singer was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that most commonly causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time. The pain has been so severe that it saw Celine cancel all of her performing commitments including a tour and appearances.

Celine's new documentary will let fans see what life is like for the singer. (Amazon Prime)

Now she has opened up about her experience of having SPS in a new documentary, including a moment where she 'almost died'.

Speaking on 'Today with Hoda and Jenna', the My Heart Will Go On singer explained her struggles with the illness. Presenter Hoda Kotb was shocked to hear how devastating her illness has been, as she told viewers: "It was so jarring to me and moving, I couldn’t believe what they were able to capture in that documentary.

"Céline Dion at some point, she is now much better, but at some point she almost died, which is something she says."

The singer's health is still a struggle, and she can't guarantee fans she will return to performing.(Amazon Prime)

Celine has now let fans see her ongoing struggle for the first time, as a new feature-length documentary called 'I Am: Celine Dion' shows fans behind the scenes and let's them see what life is like for the 55-year-old singer as she tries to keep her health stable.

In the promotional trailer for the documentary, she can be seen saying: "I’m working everyday. But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle."

She's also opened up in interviews as she told France's Vogue magazine: "I’m well, but it’s a lot of work. I’m taking it one day at a time. I haven’t beat the disease, as it's still within me and always will be.

"I hope that we'll find a miracle, a way to cure it with scientific research, but for now I have to learn to live with it. So that’s me, now with Stiff Person Syndrome.

"Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy.

Celine has also revealed a moment when she 'almost died' from her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome. (Amazon Prime)

"I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice... I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself."

Celine has also been absent from tours and performing, whilst her health has suffered, and she's still not certain if she will ever return to the stage. she said: "I can’t answer that… because for four years I’ve been saying to myself that I’m not going back, that I’m ready, that I’m not ready.

"As things stand, I can’t stand here and say to you: ‘Yes, in four months.’

"I don’t know... my body will tell me. On the other hand, I don’t just want to wait."