Celine Dion is determined to return to singing on stage despite suffering from a rare neurological disease.
The singer suffers from stiff man syndrome, which causes muscle stiffness in the torso, arms and legs and can cause severe spasms.
"I'm going to get back on stage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it," the 56-year-old star told NBC.
The interview comes ahead of the premiere of her documentary I Am Celine Dion, which will be released on June 25 on Amazon Prime.
"I am Celine Dion because today my voice will be heard for the first time, not just because I have to or because I have to. But because I want to and I miss it," said the Grammy-winning singer, who is behind hits such as "My Heart Will Go On'.
In December 2022, Dion first revealed that she had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
There is no cure for Stiff Man Syndrome, which is progressive, but treatment can help control symptoms. According to the US National Institutes of Health, the condition affects twice as many women as men.
"It's like someone is suffocating you," the singer describes her problems. The pain can go through her whole body. Spasms can even cause ribs to break.
Dion was forced to cancel a number of concerts planned for 2023 and 2024, saying she was not strong enough to tour.
Earlier this year, she made a surprise appearance at the Grammys, presenting the album of the year award to Taylor Swift.
Dion sold more than 250 million albums during her decade-long career. | BGNES
