Celine Dion reveals she trained her sons to use 'panic buttons' at home as she battles stiff person syndrome

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Celine Dion’s journey through her recent health struggles has been bolstered by her close-knit family, particularly her 13-year-old twins, Eddy and Nelson.

The iconic singer revealed how her sons have been trained to handle crises at home due to her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis, ensuring they can provide support during emergencies.

Celine Dion’s twins trained for emergencies as she battles health issues

Speaking to People, Dion, 56, shared insights into managing her condition while safeguarding her children’s well-being. Dion emphasized her parents' crucial role in her life, instilling strength and resilience in her from a young age. As the youngest of 14 children, her parents shielded her from hardships despite their financial struggles.

"Both (my) parents were extraordinary," Dion recalled. "We were very fortunate... I have been extremely supported and loved," she said. 

"There's been really, really, really tough times where my dad was working constantly and my mom only had love for us. We were not going to miss food, love, attention, affection, nothing," says Dion of her late parents, dad Adhemar and mom Theese," she said. 

"The strength that I have is definitely because of them. They are still giving me a lot of strength in my life," Dion shared. 

Dion’s strength today is fueled by the love and support she received from her late parents. Now, as a mother of three, she mirrors that protection for her sons, Rene-Charles, 23, and twins Eddy and Nelson, whom she shares with her late husband, Rene Angelil.

Though she doesn't face the financial struggles her parents did, Dion — who shares her story in the heartfelt new documentary, 'I Am: Celine Dion' (streaming globally on Prime Video starting June 25) — similarly safeguards her three sons: Rene-Charles, 23, and 13-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson, whom she had with her late husband, Rene Angelil.

Despite her fame and success, Dion faced significant personal losses, including the deaths of her parents, a brother, and her husband.

"I (coped) with losing my mom and losing my dad and losing one of my brothers and losing the father of my kids — my husband, my manager — at the same time," the five-time Grammy winner reflects on the immense grief she faced while also dealing with severe health issues. "I did not want my kids to be scared," she added. 

Dion candidly discussed her worries before her diagnosis, "(They) will have food for tonight and tomorrow, but what if I can't figure out what's wrong with me? What if I die? What if I don't wake up? They've already lost their father. What are they thinking? Are they afraid to ask me? Should I be the one to bring it up?"

After her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in August 2022, Dion took proactive steps to educate her children about her condition. Her physical therapist runs through fake crisis drills every few months, teaching Eddy and Nelson how to respond during her episodes, which can render her immobile and in severe pain.

"I let them know, okay, you lost your dad, (but) mom has a condition, and it's different. I'm not going to die. It's not something that's going to go away, (but) it's something that I'm going to learn to live with," she recalls telling her sons.

Dion and her care team also made sure to educate her children about stiff-person syndrome (SPS). "We started to talk to them about what's going on," she says of her twins.

Her symptoms involve frightening "crisis" episodes where her body becomes rigid, and she experiences intense pain.

"They saw a crisis — we explained it, we played it frame by frame. When I make a sound, or when I don't make a sound, and what can they do because they're 13 years old," she says. "They can help me out even if I don't communicate verbally because I can't produce a sound," she added. 

Every couple of months, Dion and her physical therapist simulate a crisis with Eddy and Nelson. "We have panic buttons in the house and they know how to put me on my side," she says.

"The idea of telling them and showing them, it was not to frighten them. It is for them to know, 'I'm your mom and it's my responsibility. You're old enough to understand I might need your help,' " she says. "They're so amazing because I would say 15 minutes or so every night, they come and they say, 'Mom,' and I say, 'Yes?'

"[They say], 'It's just because it's been a little longer than you usually take when you clean up at night before bedtime. We just want to make sure you're fine,' " Dion continues of Eddy and Nelson's sweet check-ins. "This is our lives now: We care for each other, and they're so helpful," she said. 

The bond between Dion and her sons was evident during her surprise appearance at the Grammys earlier this year. Her oldest son, Rene-Charles, accompanied her onstage to present Taylor Swift with the Album of the Year award. Dion expressed her pride and gratitude for his support during the event, especially given the potential for a crisis episode triggered by overstimulation.

"I didn't want to feel wobbly, and I was going to be very, very nervous and happy at the same time. What can happen? The applause... am I going to have a shock by seeing [the audience]? I don't want anything bad to happen. So my son said, 'I'm going.' I enjoyed every moment, and I was so proud of my son asking me every two minutes before I was on stage... 'Mom, are you okay?'" she said. 

"He said, 'I'm going to walk with you, and then I'm going to back up a little bit. I will be behind you. Any time you need, you just look at me or just even move your hand. I will hold on, and you can hold on to me,' " Dion continues, growing emotional. "I have everything that I need."

Internet praises Celine Dion for teaching twins 'panic button' use amid health crisis

Users across social media platforms are praising Celine Dion for her dedication to ensuring her children's safety amid her ongoing health challenges. The iconic singer recently revealed that her 13-year-old twins, Eddy and Nelson, are trained to use panic buttons and assist her during crisis episodes related to her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis.

Commenters expressed admiration for Dion's proactive approach to preparing her sons for emergencies. One user described, "She is an excellent mother" while another user wrote, "This is just so sad! Please go to God in prayer, believing that He can heal you!"

Others recalled Dion's impressive career and personal challenges, saying "I am delighted to see her eldest son is back in picture. I know they were estranged for a time. Celine is such a kind beautiful person. I remember seeing a documentary before and she had employed so many family members and was the main earner for everyone, similar to Dolly Parton. She has an amazing work ethic and I am sorry she is so sick. Wish her the best of luck xx."

Users expressed sympathy for the losses she has endured, including the passing of her husband and the challenges she faces due to her health.

"My heart goes out to her. She lost her husband, she lost the ability to be able to consistently perform, and she's experiencing a lot of pain," one user empathized. "I hope she knows how treasured she is for her heroic attitude in the face of loss."

"Celine has had an outstanding career, best wishes to her." another user wrote.

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