Sufjan Stevens Shares Rare Update on Health amid Guillain-Barré Syndrome Diagnosis: 'I'm in a State of Repair and Survival'
Sufjan Stevens gave a rare health update following his 2023 diagnosis with Guillain-Barré syndrome
"I'm okay. Situation normal, all up, kind of a thing," Stevens said in an interview with Vulture
Common symptoms of the neurological disorder include weakness, paralysis and severe pain
Sufjan Stevens is giving a rare health update.
The singer-songwriter, 49, opened up about his health following his 2023 diagnosis with Guillain-Barré syndrome in an interview with Vulture published on Wednesday, May 14.
"I'm okay. Situation normal, all up, kind of a thing," Stevens said when asked about his current state. "I've had some pretty difficult things happen to me, so I'm in a state of repair and survival."
The "Chicago" singer, who is gearing up to release the 10th anniversary edition of his 2015 album Carrie & Lowell on May 30, explained that his improved health does not mean fans will see him on stage any time soon.
"I'm not really in any state of mind or any position to go on tour yet," said Stevens. "But I'm starting to see the light. I'm starting to feel a sense of direction toward something meaningful and substantial. I've been focusing on the moment and on things that feel very silly and Zen: serenity and acceptance and duty and stewardship."
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As for the new routines Stevens has taken on, he names gardening, dog walking and running his independent record company Asthmatic Kitty, which he cofounded with his stepfather Lowell Brams, as a few.
"I'm doing a lot of ordinary, mundane adulting," Stevens said, mentioning that he recently had his septic pump replaced and retiled his kitchen, among other home renovations.
"I've been working on other people's music this past year, not my own," he continued. "It feels like my life is in service to other things right now. It's fine and required of me. I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm okay. It's been two years of a s---show, but I'm okay."
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that involves the body's immune system attacking the nerves, according to Mayo Clinic. Common symptoms include weakness, paralysis and severe pain. There is no known cure for the syndrome.
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When Stevens announced his diagnosis, he shared a selfie on Instagram of himself sitting in a wheelchair. The "To Be Alone with You" musician said the disorder had caused him to be hospitalized and left him unable to walk. However, he also noted that he was on the path to recovery.
"It's a slow process, but they say I will 'recover,' it just takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work," Stevens wrote in the caption. "Most people who have GBS learn to walk again on their own within a year, so I am hopeful. I'm only in my second week of rehab but it is going really well and I am working really hard to get back on my feet. I'm committed to getting better, I'm in good spirits, and I'm surrounded by a really great team."
The Grammy nominee also told Vulture about his experience with grief following the death of his late partner, Evans Richardson, in April 2023.
"I felt like I had fewer f---- to give about anything or anyone after that," Stevens said. "Life is short. You got to just be true and honest and real. That's what death does to you."
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