Celine Dion's Sister Gives Update On Battle With Rare Stiff Person Syndrome: 'She's A Strong Woman'

Celine Dion's sister has some hopeful news about the superstar's dire condition, months after she was diagnosed with the incurable Stiff Person Syndrome.

News of the diagnosis made rounds in December 2022, with Celine promising to strive to regain her strength but having to cancel all her concerts and commitments.

Thankfully, her older sister Claudette, who recently offered insight into her struggle with the syndrome, is assuring fans that the pop star is indeed pulling out all the stops to get back on her feet.

Claudette, a recording artist like her sister, spoke to HELLO! Canada about Celine's wellbeing, revealing that she was making every effort to get better

"She's doing everything to recover," she shared. "She's a strong woman." The 74-year-old also described some of the symptoms of the rare disease, hinting at how much pain her sister is in. "It's an illness we know so little about. There are spasms – they're impossible to control," she described. 

"You know [when] people often jump up in the night because of a cramp in the leg or the calf? It's a bit like that, but in all muscles," Claudette added. "There's little we can do to support her, to alleviate her pain."

Fans learned about Celine's condition when she first broke the news in an emotional social media video explaining that she was experiencing spasms affecting "every aspect of my daily life" and restricting her from using her vocal cords properly.

Ever since she has had to call off her planned shows and put her Courage world tour on hold until she is "really ready" to return to the stage again. Fortunately, the "Think Twice" has the best team of medical experts, including a sports-medicine therapist, to help build back her strength.

She also has the love and support of her large family, including her sister Linda and her husband, who are fellow Las Vegas residents. "It's comforting for us all [to have them near Celine]," Claudette admitted, adding that "we're crossing our fingers that researchers will find a remedy for this awful illness."

Alongside being a performer, the septuagenarian is the CEO and spokesperson for La Fondation Maman Dion and the spokesperson for the palliative-care center, Maison Adhémar-Dion.

Her duties keep her close to home in Quebec. Nevertheless, her bond with Celine remains special, considering their "shared interest in music, motherhood, and more." Claudette further touched on how much affection her sister's fans have for her amid her struggle, not just because of her voice. She said:

"They love Celine, not only for the voice she has but also for the human being she is. For the woman she has become, for the mother she has become. We love her for the person she is."

Earlier in August, Claudette told Le Journal de Montréal her 55-year-old sister's condition had gotten so bad that she needed her other sister Linda to move in to care for her. She also emphasized Celine's determination to recover.

"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," the old-timer shared. "She's listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible."

The "I'm Alive" star's older sibling also dished on her having to cancel her Courage World Tour, insisting that Celine mostly needed rest as she always tried to be the best.

She mentioned that they "trust" the Grammy winner to find a feasible solution that will allow her to return to the stage in good time.

Since announcing her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis last year, Celine Dion has gained extensive support worldwide, including from celebs. One such supporter was country musician Shania Twain, who expressed concern for the "My Heart Will Go On" singer's health in an interview.

She spoke from her experience with health issues, noting how "horrifying" it was for the condition to prevent the "I'm Your Angel" musician from singing while interfering with the joy in her life.

Twin, who is "such a fan" of Celine's "extraordinary" voice, then said, "So I just pray that she is able to overcome it and she will be up there [on stage] singing for us all again."