Celine Dion's Battle With Stiff Person Syndrome—What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Celine Dion's surprise appearance at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest this week sparked fresh interest in her ongoing health journey with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder she was diagnosed with in 2022. The Canadian singer, 57, delivered a pre-recorded message during the first semifinal in Basel, Switzerland, as part of the show's tribute to her historic 1988 win.
Fans welcomed the message with cheers and anticipation, as organizers confirmed they remain in "close contact" with Dion amid hopes she may join the live finale on Saturday.
What Is Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune and neurological disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. It causes progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms, and it can affect posture and movement. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, SPS impacts about one in a million people and is often misdiagnosed because of its overlap with other conditions.
People with SPS may become increasingly sensitive to noise or touch, which can trigger episodes of muscle spasms. Although the disorder is chronic, treatments including medication and physical therapy can help manage symptoms.
When Was Celine Dion Diagnosed?
Dion revealed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with SPS and would step back from performing to focus on treatment. She canceled her Courage World Tour and noted that the decision was made with her medical team's advice.
Since that announcement, she has made limited but notable appearances, including performing "Hymne à l'Amour" during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Her video this week marked her return to the Eurovision stage after 37 years.
A video message from Celine Dion during the dress rehearsal and preview show of the first semifinal at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, on May 12, 2025.
A video message from Celine Dion during the dress rehearsal and preview show of the first semifinal at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, on May 12, 2025.
Georgios Kefalas/Keystone via AP
What Has Celine Dion Said About Her Health Battles?
Dion delivered a heartfelt video message on Tuesday night, speaking in French and English to the Eurovision audience.
"Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's a country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary," she said during the broadcast.
"Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me, and I'm so thankful for everyone who supported me."
Speaking directly to fans, she added: "Dear Eurovision family and contestants. I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now...Music unites us...It is our strength, our support in the moments where we need it. I love you all, Europe and the rest of the world, of course. Kisses, I love you."
Following her message, several past Eurovision performers sang her winning 1988 track "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi." Dion's performance that year, representing Switzerland, helped launch her international career.
Is Stiff Person Syndrome Curable?
There is no known cure for SPS, but therapies exist to help reduce its impact. They can include medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-anxiety drugs, as well as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments. Physical therapy can also play a key role in maintaining mobility.
While SPS presents significant challenges, many patients are able to adapt their routines and continue their careers and personal lives with the help of tailored treatment plans.
Dion's message and ongoing engagement with Eurovision organizers have fueled speculation that she may appear live at the contest's grand finale. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR confirmed they are still in "close contact" with Dion.
Dion's presence may have been virtual, but her impact on Eurovision and pop music continues to resonate.
"Now, 37 years later, it's so beautiful and emotional to see Switzerland winning and hosting this incredible event once again," Dion said. "This night is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
How 'Karate Kid: Legends' is Connected to 'Cobra Kai'—Which to Watch First
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The sixth movie in the Karate Kid franchise, "Karate Kid: Legends," has officially hit theaters. And even though critics don't seem to be too fond of the film, fans of the series and general audiences seem to be loving it. "Karate Kid: Legends" brings back to beloved characters to the cinema: Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso. Additionally, the film stars Ben Wang as Li Fong, their new student. While Chan hasn't been seen in the series since the last film was in theaters back in 2010, Macchio has been a regular fixture of the wildly popular "Cobra Kai" series on Netflix, which just released its sixth and final season. More Entertainment: 'Karate Kid: Legends' - Everything We Know So Far Naturally, this has fans of the television show wondering if anything from "Cobra Kai" will make it into the film. That being said, these same fans may be disappointed. Warning: This article contains spoilers for both "Karate Kid: Legends" and "Cobra Kai" Season 6. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in 'Karate Kid: Legends.' Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in 'Karate Kid: Legends.' Sony Pictures How is 'Cobra Kai' Connected to 'Karate Kid: Legends'? "Karate Kid: Legends" is focused on continuing the story and legacy from the previous Karate Kid films. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to fully include "Cobra Kai." "There are many, many seasons of 'Cobra Kai.' This is not a 'Cobra Kai' movie. It's within the Karate Kid universe," director Jonathan Entwistle said, per Jake Hodges and Perri Nemiroff of Collider. "It's another chapter in the story. It's another graphic novel in the sequence." This doesn't mean that "Cobra Kai" fans have been cut out completely. In a post-credits sequence, William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence shows up to hang out with Daniel after he receives a heartwarming letter from Li. However, that's all fans of the Netflix series will be getting. Do You Need to Watch 'Cobra Kai' Before 'Karate Kid: Legends'? Based on this information, it doesn't feel like watching "Cobra Kai" is at all necessary to enjoy "Karate Kid: Legends." Instead, fans of the franchise should turn their heads to the original movies starring Macchio and Pat Morita, as well as "The Karate Kid" from 2010 starring Chan and Jaden Smith. More Entertainment: Jackie Chan, 71, Injured During Filming Still, it is absolutely worth watching all six seasons of "Cobra Kai" just because it is wildly entertaining television with exciting martial arts action and plenty of drama. Additionally, if you want to see everything in the Karate Kid universe, "The Next Karate Kid" is also a fun watch with Morita reprising his role as Mr. Miyagi and a young Hilary Swank playing Julie Pierce, his new student. More Entertainment: Stephen King 'Carrie' Remake Officially Reveals Main Cast The Real-Life Tech Bros that Inspired HBO Max's 'Mountainhead' New on Prime Video: Full List of Movies, Shows Hitting the Streaming Platform in June 2025 For more movie, television, and entertainment news, head on over to Newsweek Entertainment.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Woman Picks Up Dog From Daycare, Then Learns Where They Put Him All Day
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The reason a dog was deemed a "father" at doggy daycare left the owner pleasantly surprised. Pet parent TJ, known on TikTok as @tj_cosplays, picked up their dog named Cubby from daycare one day and left with new information about their canine. Much to her surprise, the doggy daycare volunteered Cubby to be a stand-in "father" at the facility. Not that TJ doesn't believe Cubby could be a great father. She knows he's a sweet and gentle dog, but she's not used to hearing about his praise around other dogs, especially involving puppies. "He gets along well with dogs at daycare, but is leash reactive," TJ told Newsweek via TikTok. "I've never seen him around puppies before, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear he does well with them." In his new role at the daycare, workers place Cubby in the puppy group. He helps teach them to be a dog. TJ explained in a May 20 TikTok video (@tj_cosplays) that the daycare praised Cubby's "good temperament," earning him the title of "uncle" in the mom-and-pop group. While with the pups, Cubby shows them how to dog. He'll correct the puppies for any unwanted behavior or if they're being too hyper when needed. Surprised by this new job for Cubby, TJ said she jokingly responded to the daycare: "You mean MY dog?" Screenshots from a May 20 TikTok video of a pet parent sharing their surprise about their dog becoming a "father" at the daycare. Screenshots from a May 20 TikTok video of a pet parent sharing their surprise about their dog becoming a "father" at the daycare. @tj_cosplays/TikTok He might act like a perfect angel while at the daycare, but TJ saw a different side before dropping him off. She said: "Everyone keeps saying he's a good boy, but when I dropped him off that weekend, he was literally trying to drag me by my clothes back with him." Viewer Reactions As of Tuesday, the TikTok video reached over 4.6 million views and 823,200 likes. People praised Cubby for his promotion at the daycare, whether he wanted the new position or not. "When you accidentally get too important at work," commented a viewer, while a second added: "He's not going to daycare he's going to work." A third person pointed out: "The awkward rolling around when mom is bragging about you." Several doggy daycare employees chimed in: "As someone who manages a daycare, y'all should take that as high praise. It takes a very specific dog to be able to be trusted to do that." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Diddy Prosecutors Raise Concerns After Witness Identity is Leaked
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Prosecutors in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial raised concerns to the judge on Tuesday after an online streamer and outlet leaked the identity of a key witness in the case. Combs' former personal assistant, who utilized the pseudonym "Mia," finished her testimony on Monday. Judge Arun Subramanian barred a YouTube streamer who shared Mia's identity from returning to court. Prosecutor Maurene Comey said another outlet posted Mia's real name on X. Prosecutors want the post removed and the source barred from court. Subramanian asked the prosecution to draft a possible court order for consideration. Why It Matters Mia worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017. Throughout her multiple days on the stand, she detailed multiple alleged incidents of physical and sexual assault by Combs. Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Sean 'Diddy' Combs, right, turns around and looks at the audience during jury selection at Manhattan federal court, Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. Sean 'Diddy' Combs, right, turns around and looks at the audience during jury selection at Manhattan federal court, Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. Elizabeth Williams via AP The identification of Mia comes as another witness is expected to testify under a pseudonym. "Jane," also identified as Victim-2, is expected to take the stand this week. What To Know Shortly after prosecutors spoke about Mia's identity being leaked, a woman was removed from the courtroom for causing a disturbance. "Everyone is laughing at Diddy," the woman said. "It's not right what they're doing to him!" Subramanian asked for her to be escorted out "right now." Eddy Garcia, who worked as the security supervisor at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016, testified on Tuesday. Combs was seen on the hotel's surveillance footage physically attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Footage of the 2016 incident was released by CNN last year. Combs said he wanted the video taken off a server and a copy of the video because it could "ruin his career" if the footage was made public, Garcia testified. Garcia said he then spoke to his supervisor, who agreed to do it for $50,000. Garcia said he signed an NDA, which would charge him $1 million if the agreement was broken. Combs then returned with a brown paper bag containing $100,000, Garcia testified. Garcia said he kept $30,000, gave $50,000 to his supervisor and $20,000 to another security officer. Derek Ferguson, a former CFO for Combs-founded company Bad Boy Entertainment, also testified on Tuesday. He said he never saw anyone help Combs commit crimes or acts of violence. What People Are Saying Garcia, referring to communications with Combs during his testimony: "On Easter, he said, 'Happy Easter my angel, God is good,' and then proceeded to ask if anyone had asked about the incident or the video. I said I hadn't heard anything and he said, 'OK.'" Ferguson, referring to Combs in his testimony: "He just worked constantly. His passion for what he did was really high so his work ethic and the number of hours that he put in was something that really pushed the entire team." What Happens Next Combs' trial is currently in its fourth week. Proceedings are expected to last eight to 10 weeks. Combs is facing life in prison if convicted. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
