Celine Dion documentary to explore own rare illness
Pop sensation Celine Dion is set to share an intimate glimpse into her life and career with the upcoming release of “I Am: Celine Dion,” a feature-length documentary by Amazon MGM Studios. The film will shed light on her ongoing struggle with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder that Dion bravely disclosed in December 2022.
Scheduled to stream on Amazon Prime Video, the documentary aims to raise awareness about SPS, a condition affecting the torso, arms, and legs, often triggered by noise or emotional distress. Dion, a Grammy-winning artist renowned for hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “Because You Loved Me,” had to cancel shows in 2023 and 2024 due to her health.
In a statement, the 55-year-old Canadian artist shared, “This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me.” She expressed her desire to document this chapter in her life, aiming to raise awareness and support others facing the same diagnosis.
Stiff-Person Syndrome has no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms. According to the US National Institutes of Health, it affects twice as many women as men. The exact cause remains unknown, believed to be linked to an autoimmune response gone awry in the brain and spinal cord.
The documentary, directed by Irene Taylor, encompasses over a year of filming and promises a “raw, intimate portrayal” of Dion’s personal and professional life. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, described it as a revealing journey through a pivotal time in Dion’s career as she confronts an unthinkable diagnosis.
Celine Dion, with a career spanning decades and over 250 million albums sold, embarked on the “Courage World Tour” in 2019, completing 52 shows before the pandemic forced a halt. Despite health challenges, Dion also made an appearance in the 2023 rom-com film “Love Again” and contributed new songs to the soundtrack.
The release date of “I Am: Celine Dion” has not been disclosed, but the documentary is set to be available in over 240 countries and territories, providing a poignant narrative of resilience and determination in the face of a rare and challenging health condition.
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