Celine Dion, 56, poses in unbuttoned shirt amid grave illness battle – sparks heated reactions from fans
Given the recent health woes facing legendary songstress Celine Dion, it’s hardly a surprise that fans the world over are clamoring for updates.
Dion, 56, has been open and honest about her devastating Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis, a condition that has left her unable to deliver shows and cast serious doubts as to her future as an active player in the music industry.
Reports have varied as to the superstar’s prognosis, but the general agreement appears to be that she is locked a fierce battle to return to full health. After her diagnosis in 2022, Dion was forced to cancel all of her world tour dates for 2023 and 2024, with her sister, Claudette, later revealing: “She doesn’t have control over her muscles — and vocal cords are muscles.
“It’s true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know.”
As per reports, sufferers of Stiff Person Syndrome often end up being confined to a wheelchair. An insider told Radar Online that the possibility doesn’t bother Dion too much, though the loss of her famous voice is an incredible blow.
“Celine would be content to just sit in a chair and sing to entertain her audiences,” the insider said. “But her voice is just not coming back the way that would allow her to perform or record again.
“She has spasms in her vocal cords. She can sing fine — just like you know Celine for a few notes, then a spasm kicks in and throws what she’s singing completely out of whack.
“Sadly, it’s doesn’t seem to be repairable — whether through surgery or therapy.”
Given that rather bleak outlook, any and all news on Celine is big news indeed. Her surprise appearance at this year’s Grammys caused quite the stir, but it was undeniably promising to the see the My Heart Will Go On singer take the stage to hand out an award.
In any case, one thing that looks to be beyond argument is that Celine herself is not giving up. The 56-year-old is, by all accounts, determined to work her way back to health and continue delivering music for her legion of fans worldwide.
Recently, she appeared as a cover model for Vogue France, boldly posing in a white unbuttoned Balenciaga shirt, showing off her lean physique and prompting a wide range of comments online.
As was always going to be the case, fans were divided as to Celine’s look, with reactions ranging from admiration to concern.
“Huh. I thought she had a bad hereditary disease??? Or is it a clone??” one person wrote on Instagram.
“I see her ribcage, doesn’t look healthy,” another added.
“Vogue cover and that is what she is wearing!?” said a third.
A fourth opined: “Not in good taste but oh well she is Celine no rules lol!“
A fifth wrote simply: “Horrible photo.”
Of course, there were plenty of fans who voiced their support for Dion’s return.
“Looking great,” wrote one.
A second commented: “Stunnnnning ? Celine has always been in her own lane… a one of one, what an icon ????”
“She looks drop-dead gorgeous and very healthy. I love her so much,” said a third.
“So happy for her with all her progress!! Sending more prayers & positive vibes her way ???” wrote a fourth.
As to her condition, Celine bravely bared all to Vogue France, stating her hope that she and her medical team can “find a miracle.”
“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.”
As per the Mayo Clinic, Stiff Person Syndrome is an “autoimmune disorder of the nervous system, often resulting in progressive, severe muscle stiffness and spasms of the lower extremities and back.”
At present there is no cure for the condition.