Céline Dion is making headlines once again, but this time, it’s not for her powerful vocals or iconic performances. The legendary singer recently sat down with “Today’s” Hoda Kotb to discuss her ongoing battle with stiff-person syndrome and the possibility of returning to the stage. This rare and candid interview has fans buzzing with anticipation and hope for her comeback.
A Rare and Emotional Interview
Hoda Kotb announced the exclusive interview on “Today,” sharing, “I got to have a rare conversation with Céline Dion, and she has not performed live in years… She was diagnosed with a terrible disease, and at one point she wondered if she was going to make it, whether she was going to live through it. And she talks about what it has done to her voice and the possibility of a comeback. We’ve missed her, and it was a very emotional interview, and we’ll see where she is in her journey of coming back, and I know people are cheering her on.”
Savannah Guthrie added, “She sang a little for you, too.” To which Hoda confirmed, “She did, because I think she’s been reluctant. Imagine having that voice and then wondering how it is going to sound. It sounded incredible to me.”
Fans can catch a preview of this heartfelt interview on “Today” on June 11, followed by a primetime special at 10 p.m. on NBC. This special will also feature new footage from Céline’s upcoming Amazon documentary, “I Am: Céline Dion,” set to premiere on June 25. The trailer for the documentary, which has already dropped, promises a raw and intimate look at the singer’s life as she navigates her health challenges.
Céline’s Battle with Stiff-Person Syndrome
In the documentary trailer, an emotional Céline shares, “I’m working hard every day, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle. I miss it so much, the people. I miss them.” She also expresses the difficulty of canceling shows, stating, “It’s not hard to do a show, you know. It’s hard to cancel a show.” Demonstrating her unwavering determination, she vows, “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop.”
Back in April, Céline opened up to Vogue France about her battle with stiff-person syndrome, a rare and debilitating neurological disorder. She revealed, “I haven’t beat the disease, as it’s still within me and always will be. I hope that we’ll find a miracle, a way to cure it with scientific research, but for now I have to learn to live with it.”
Despite the challenges, Céline undergoes rigorous therapy five days a week, which includes athletic, physical, and vocal exercises. “I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice,” she elaborated. Reflecting on the early days of her diagnosis, she admitted, “At the beginning, I would ask myself: why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault?” However, she has since adopted a more resilient mindset, saying, “Life doesn’t give you any answers. You just have to live it!”
On Tuesday, June 11, Hoda Kotb’s exclusive conversation with Celine Dion will air on TODAY and in an @NBCNews Primetime Special. pic.twitter.com/Aatnhs6VVI
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 23, 2024
A Triumph at the Grammys
In a triumphant moment earlier this year, Céline made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Grammys, presenting the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift. Accompanied by her son René-Charles, she received a standing ovation from the star-studded audience. Céline expressed her gratitude, telling the crowd, “When I say I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart. Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards must never take for granted the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people all around the world.”
As fans eagerly await her full interview and the upcoming documentary, it’s clear that Céline Dion’s journey is far from over. Her determination to overcome her health challenges and her commitment to her music continue to inspire millions. Stay tuned for more updates on Céline’s incredible journey and her hopeful return to the stage.
