Celine Dion decided to be as authentic as possible with the 2024 documentary about her life and career, as well as her battle with stiff-person syndrome.
It’s a decision that has won over many people, as they send their best wishes to the popular Canadian singer.
The docu, titled I Am: Celine Dion was first announced in September 2021, before eventually being released nearly three years later.
Dion has braved her way through the condition, which was first diagnosed in 2022.
She has continued to make sporadic public appearances, despite looking frail from the illness. Another pointer towards Dion’s bravery has been her willingness to discuss the debilitating health challenge publicly. This was exactly what she did when showing her most vulnerable moment in the documentary.
I Am: Celine Dion premiered on Prime Video on 25 June, 2024, to positive reviews from critics. One of the more harrowing scenes from the film depicted the My Heart Will Go On songstress suffering a spasm after a recording session in the studio.
Two professionals in her medical team attended to her as she went through the episode, at first screaming in agony as the spasm started out in her leg. Unfortunately, even the expertise of her team members could not stop it from spreading across her body.
Dion was seen in the scene completely stiff, and unable to move at all, or talk. Sadly, tears flowed freely from her eyes as she was unable to express herself in any way other than squeezing the hand of one of the pair attending to her.
The sight of Dion suffering in this way would touch so many around the world, with messages of support pouring in from around the world. “It is so sad to see someone who has given joy to so many people suffer so badly,” an empathetic comment said on a clip of the scene from YouTube.”
A supporter who strongly echoed this sentiment, wrote: “MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY! I was saying that the whole time while watching it…. Omg!”
Fans Labeled Celine Dion “Humble” For Agreeing To Show The Public Her Struggles
It is not every day that famous people show their most sensitive moments to their fans, but Celine Dion did not hide away from her troubles. The decision to keep the scene depicting the devastating effects of her illness was lauded by her supporters, who called her “strong” and “brave.”
A number of YouTube comments also noted that it took someone without a massive ego to agree to include the sad scene in the final cut of I Am: Celine Dion. “Total respect for Celine dion to put this out there. Her humility will help so many who have this condition. I wish her healing love and blessings x,” one fan applauded.
Messages of Support For Celine Dion:
- “Gorgeous lady inside and out. Your health condition doesn’t define you neither does your singing voice. You are much more than both, you are Celine Dion and your true voice reached all of us ❤️ Thank you for sharing yourself with the world. We love you so much. Stay blessed 🙏🏻” – @RashaQamheyeh, X
- “I have been a celine fan since her beautiful voice hit the airways. Such an amazing soul, with the voice of an angel. Bo matter what, you will always be the most beautiful and powerful singer ever. I love you so much and can’t wait to watch the documentary. 😍” – mama_spice_life, Instagram
It was a similar thought process being repeated over and over, with another supporter comparing Dion with other celebrities. “I worked in a premiere hospital where top celebrities go,” they said.
“Not all celebrities have enough humility and courage to do this,” the comment went on to say. “Sharing this side of her is one brave decision, as it brings awareness to the condition. It also allows people to realize that they are also human beings. I wish all the best to Celine Dion.”
Celine Dion’s Condition Has Also Affected Her Singing Voice
One of the most heartbreaking elements of Celine Dion’s diagnosis with stiff person syndrome is the fact that the disease has also touched on her most precious gift… her voice. At her best, the musician is a free spirit who has been known to randomly break into song (existing or improvised) in the midst of conversation.
This was certainly the case, for instance, when she featured in one of the most popular episodes of Carpool Karaoke with James Corden in 2019. Five years later, another scene from I Am: Celine Dion depicted her voice in a state that is a far cry from back then.
In the moment, Dion attempted to vocalize a line from the popular song I Want To Know What Love Is by the British band, Foreigner. She also did a little riff at the end, a common aspect of her singing.
The effort ended in despair, however, as her voice broke and failed to hit the same notes she would previously coast through. She immediately broke down and confirmed just how difficult it was for her, not just to live through the struggle, but to share it with others as well.
“That’s what happens,” she said, tearfully. “And it’s very difficult for me to hear that… and to show this to you.”
Celine Dion Was Adamant That She Would Eventually Be Back On Stage
Despite the odds being so seemingly stacked against her, a defiant Celine Dion insisted in the documentary of her life that she would do everything in her power to get back on stage.
“I still see myself dance and sing,” she said.
Dion encouraged herself and her fans that this was not the first obstacle she had faced in her life. She continued, “I always find a plan B or a plan C. That’s me. If I can’t run, I’ll walk… If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl, but I won’t stop… I won’t stop!”
In a subsequent interview on TODAY, she repeated the same assertion, saying, “I’m gonna go back on stage. Even if I have to crawl, even if I have to talk with my hands. I will.” Prior to the release of I Am: Celine Dion, the last time the Quebecois appeared on stage was in a concert that she gave at Hyde Park in London, in July 2019.
Some fans were quick to encourage her that she had already done enough for others, and that the time had come to instead prioritize herself. One commented: “Moral of this film: Health is wealth. All the best Celine. Focus on your health and family, we do not need you to be on stage or record anything more. You are already a legend.”
