Celine Dion’s sister, Claudette, has shared an update on the singer’s health status as she continues to battle stiff person syndrome.
Claudette told Le Journal de Montreal during a televised appearance last month that Celine, 55, is being cared for by their sister Linda and working closely with researchers who specialize in the rare condition.
“When I call her and she’s busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she’s working hard. She’s listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible.
“I honestly think that she mostly needs to rest. She always goes above and beyond; she always tries to be the best and top of her game. At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It’s important to listen to it.”
READ ALSO: Celine Dion Diagnosed With Incurable Neurological Disease, Cancels Upcoming Shows
Claudette went on to say that Celine is working incredibly hard to maintain her physical health and to get back to performing in the future.
Discussing her rehabilitation, she said: “We trust her. It’s innate to her, she’s disciplined in every area of her life… We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important.”
Celine is the youngest of 14 brothers and sisters: Linda, Denise, Clément, Claudette, Liette, Michel, Louise, Jacques, Daniel, Ghislaine, Linda, Manon, and twins Paul and Pauline.
Symptoms of stiff person syndrome include muscle rigidity in the trunk and arms, often triggered by noise, touch, and emotional distress. Celine’s condition is characterized by muscle spasms, and frequent falls can also be an issue due to a lack of coordination.
Those with stiff person syndrome are often unable to walk or move, and it’s twice as common in women than in men.
In October 2021, Celine shocked fans by revealing her health diagnosis, revealing she would be having to delay her Las Vegas shows.
READ ALSO: Singer Céline Dion Cancels European Tour Due To Health Condition
In January 2022, she then cancelled the North American leg of her Courage world tour for the same reason, saying: “I was really hoping that I’d be good to go by now, but I suppose I just have to be more patient and follow the regimen that my doctors are prescribing.”
Fans of the vocal powerhouse were incredibly supportive of Celine when news broke she was cancelling her world tour due to her health problems in May.
Claudette, 74, has shared a number of health updates about her sibling in recent months.
“We’re all crossing our fingers, and I’m glad people are concerned,” Claudette said during a recent TV show appearance in Quebec.
“She is working hard, and we are confident that we will succeed. It can’t be a story like this,” she added.