Celine Dion 'content' to perform from wheelchair amid vocal cord struggles, insiders reveal

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Celine Dion would be “content” to return to the stage performing for her audience, even if she has to perform from a wheelchair.

Since the 55-year-old singer disclosed her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome in December 2022, Dion has been diligently working to regain her full capacity with the goal of returning to the stage.

But the major roadblock toward achieving her dream is the debilitating neurological condition that is making her lose control over her muscles.

In December 2023, Dion’s sister Claudette Dion shared with the French news outlet 7Jours per InTouch Weekly, “She works hard, but she doesn’t have control of her muscles.”

Claudette, 74, added, “What pains me is that she has always been disciplined. She always worked hard. The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle.”

She mourned that scientists “didn’t do that much research because it didn’t affect that many people.”

In December 2022, Dion, renowned as the "Queen of Power Ballads," disclosed that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a condition where the body attacks its own nerve cells, resulting in muscle freezing and severe spasms.

While the ‘All by Myself’ singer is working hard to return to the stage, her inability to control her vocal muscles is proving to be a major difficulty. 

Claudette further noted, "It's true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don't know," per RadarOnline.

However, she reveals that Dion is undergoing therapy with both physicians and physical therapists. 

‘Celine would be content to just sit in a chair and sing’

Another insider gave a devastating insight into the singer’s condition as they noted, "Celine would be content to just sit in a chair and sing to entertain her audiences.”

The insider mourned, "But her voice is just not coming back the way that would allow her to perform or record again," per RadarOnline.

The source explained, "She has spasms in her vocal cords. She can sing fine — just like you know Celine for a few notes, then a spasm kicks in and throws what she's singing completely out of whack."

“Sadly, it doesn't seem to be repairable — whether through surgery or therapy,” remarked the source.

'I’m not giving up'

After postponing the tour once, Dion announced the cancellation of her Courage World Tour on May 26, 2023, through a heartbreaking Instagram post.

The post started with the saddening news that "It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour."

Following that Celine wrote, "I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%."

She continued, "It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again. I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”