In a revelation that shocked fans and gave medical professionals an unexpected jolt, international superstar Céline Dion announced in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. Yes, this is a real condition, not something from a Monty Python sketch.

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is an actual neurological disorder, characterized by progressive muscular stiffness and spasms that can severely impact an individual’s mobility and daily life. For Céline, it has been nothing short of a Herculean battle, with her privately dealing with the condition since August 2022. Kudos to her for managing to keep it under wraps; some of us can't even keep a Netflix password secret.

The disorder forced Dion to cancel her Courage World Tour, much to the dismay of fans longing for her powerful ballads. In her announcement, the singer expressed a mix of frustration and determination, affirming her desire to perform again. If anyone can belt out a tune while muscling through chronic health challenges, it’s the woman who made the Titanic theme song a timeless classic, even after being played at every significant event from weddings to talent shows.

To manage the debilitating effects of SPS, Dion resorted to taking doses of Valium that would make even Hunter S. Thompson clutch his heart. She initially began with smaller doses, but as the medication’s effects wore off quickly, she escalated to potentially lethal amounts—up to 90 milligrams a day. Valium became an inseparable part of her routine; she would pop a pill before performances, only to find the effects dissipating within 20 minutes. Talk about a short-lived standing ovation.

Dion’s reliance on Valium took a serious toll, adding complexity to her already challenging health condition. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she managed to cease taking Valium with the assistance of medical professionals. Yet, the fight for normalcy continues.

Despite her condition, Céline is no stranger to overcoming adversity. She worked relentlessly with a sports medicine therapist to regain her strength—no easy task when your body acts like an obstinate tin man refusing oil. The emotional turmoil didn't stop there; Dion also had to cope with her diagnosis while her late husband, René Angélil, battled throat cancer. Clearly, the universe has an ironic sense of timing.

Stiff person syndrome has impacted nearly every aspect of Céline’s daily life, from walking to utilizing her vocal cords. Performing while your muscles unpredictably turn into concrete is a challenge the Olympics couldn’t even fathom. Nonetheless, Céline persists, echoing her iconic lyrics: “My Heart Will Go On” indeed, albeit with a little pharmaceutical help.

Dion’s ongoing battle with SPS serves as a potent reminder: even seemingly invincible figures face monumental challenges that require immense courage. Her story prompts us to look beyond the luminous façade of fame to the gritty human struggles behind the scenes.

In these challenging times, Céline Dion’s spirit and tenacity shine brighter than a thousand Las Vegas marquees. We can only hope that she will return to the stage—Valium-free and with her unparalleled vocal prowess intact. At the very least, her journey offers a poignant reminder: no matter how stiff life makes us, the show, somehow, will always go on.