The queen of power ballads and Jamaican staple Celine Dion, who suffers from stiff person syndrome (SPS), has released her documentary ‘I Am: Celine Dion’ where she gives fans a look into her struggles with the irreversible disease.

The Grammy-winning artist, known for her powerful voice and iconic hits like ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ revealed her diagnosis in a heartfelt message to fans, explaining her ongoing health struggles.

Stiff person syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by severe muscle stiffness and spasms.

The symptoms can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, including sudden noises, emotional stress, or even light physical touch. These spasms and rigidity can significantly impair mobility and overall quality of life, making everyday activities challenging.

“I had to raise my kids. I had to hide. I had to try to be a hero,” Celine said.

She publicly announced her long struggle with the disease while raising awareness and fostering public understanding of SPS within the broader medical community and the general public.

Her openness has also sparked discussions about the need for more research and better treatment options. 

There is no known cure for SPS, and treatments are focused on managing symptoms. These treatments often include medications such as muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, and immunotherapy.

Dion’s battle with the disease has forced her to cancel or postpone several upcoming performances, a decision that has deeply saddened her fans worldwide.

In her recent documentary trailer for ‘I Am: Celine Dion’, she expressed hope and determination, stating that she is working closely with her medical team to manage her symptoms and improve her condition, but the singer still struggles with the fact that she cannot sing anymore.

“It didn’t take anything away from me,” she said. “I’m going to go back on stage even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will. I will.”

“Today, my voice will be heard for the first time, not just because I have to, or because I need to. It’s because I want to…and I miss it,” she added.

The singer’s plight has drawn significant media attention, prompting a wave of support from fans and fellow celebrities. 

The star says she did not want to disappoint her fans during her live performances and had to “lower the keys” with some of her songs because she sounded very “nasal”.

She was even forced to cancel some shows, saying, “It’s been very difficult, very painful, challenging, scary.”

By sharing her journey, Dion is not only advocating for herself but also for others suffering in silence from this rare disorder, encouraging a greater understanding and empathy for those affected by stiff person syndrome.

The full documentary will be available on Prime Video on June 25 with its soundtrack hitting streaming services on June 21.

As Celine fights her courageous battle, the documentary trailer has been praised as a deep, raw and unfiltered look into her life and progress as she tries to return to her calling— the stage.