Celine Dion Opens Up in New Documentary: “I Am: Celine Dion”
Celine Dion’s new documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” is now streaming, offering fans an intimate look into the life of the Canadian superstar like never before. Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor, the documentary reveals how Dion has been navigating life with stiff-person syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder.
Living with Stiff-Person Syndrome
In the documentary, Dion discusses how her life has changed since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome. The condition has affected every aspect of her daily life, particularly her ability to sing. She first noticed symptoms 17 years ago, starting with “vocal spasms” that left her scared and uncertain. As the condition worsened, she struggled with balance, pain, and eventually, the inability to walk.
Dion explains the impact on her vocals, saying, “When I try to breathe, my lungs are fine. But what’s in front of my lungs is so rigid because of stiff-person syndrome.” She becomes emotional while describing her struggle to sing, admitting, “It’s very difficult for me to hear this and to show it to you. I don’t want people to hear that.”
The Toll of Medication
Dion also opens up about the medication she has been taking to manage her symptoms. At one point, she was on 80 to 90 milligrams of Valium daily. “I needed those medicines to walk, to swallow, to function. But it was too many pills. The show must go on,” she says, revealing how the pain led her to cancel shows, often leaving her feeling the burden of hiding her condition from fans.
A Deep Connection with Her Fans
The documentary highlights the emotional toll on Dion from having to cancel performances and disappoint her fans. “It’s not hard to do a show; it’s hard to cancel one,” she explains. Dion compares herself to an apple tree, saying, “People come to my shows expecting the best apples. But my branches are starting to produce less, and I don’t want them to wait in line if I don’t have apples for them.”
Life at Home and Cherished Memories
The documentary also provides a glimpse into Dion’s life as a mother to her twin sons, Nelson and Eddy. Viewers see heartwarming scenes of Dion playing video games with her sons and sending them off to school. The film also includes touching home videos of her late husband, René Angélil, who passed away in 2016, and memories of Dion’s childhood with her parents and 13 siblings.
Dion reflects on her relationship with her late mother, Thérèse Dion, who passed away in 2020, calling her a “very strong person.” She says, “The person I am today, I didn’t invent myself. I didn’t create myself. I am.”
Facing the Challenges Ahead
One of the most intense moments in the documentary occurs near the end when Dion experiences a seizure while being treated by her sports medicine therapist. The scene captures the severity of her condition as she is turned on her side and given medication to ease her pain. Reflecting on the incident, Dion expresses her frustration and embarrassment at not having control over her body.
Despite these challenges, Dion remains determined. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop,” she says in the closing moments of the documentary, reaffirming her resilience and unyielding spirit.
