‘Music Is My Therapy’: Celine Dion Opens Up About Her Struggle and Strength in Raw Interview
In a deeply emotional and unfiltered interview that aired this week, music legend Celine Dion offered fans a rare and heartfelt glimpse into her personal journey—one marked by resilience, vulnerability, and an unshakable connection to music.
Speaking candidly with journalist Anderson Cooper in an exclusive sit-down for *60 Minutes*, Dion opened up about her ongoing battle with **Stiff-Person Syndrome**, a rare and incurable neurological disorder that has forced her to step away from the stage and reshaped nearly every aspect of her life.
“I miss the stage more than I can explain,”** Dion said, her voice trembling. **”It’s not just my career—it’s where I feel most alive. Music is my therapy. It’s how I breathe.”
The interview marks the first time the Canadian icon has spoken publicly at length about her health struggles since announcing the cancellation of her world tour in 2023. Since then, fans around the world have shown an outpouring of support, often flooding social media with messages of love and concern.
A Life Transformed
Stiff-Person Syndrome, which affects the brain and spinal cord, causes muscle spasms, stiffness, and mobility issues. For someone like Dion—renowned for her commanding stage presence and vocal power—the diagnosis has been especially devastating.
There are days I can’t sing,”** she confessed. **”There are days I can’t move without pain. And that’s scary. But I wake up every morning determined to fight.
Despite the challenges, Dion emphasized her gratitude for life, her family, and the support of fans who’ve stood by her side through personal loss and physical pain.
“I lost the love of my life,”** she said, referring to her late husband and longtime manager René Angélil, who passed away from cancer in 2016. **”And now, I’m fighting this new battle. But I know he’s still with me. I feel him every time I sit at the piano.”**
The Healing Power of Music
Throughout the interview, Dion returned again and again to the role music plays in her healing. From quiet moments at the piano to humming lullabies with her children, she described music as her constant companion, her source of strength, and her way of connecting with the world.
When I sing, even now, even if my voice isn’t what it used to be, it’s like something lifts,”** she said. **“The pain fades a little. The fear gets quieter.
She also shared that she’s been working privately on new music—raw, stripped-down recordings that reflect her current reality.
I don’t know if I’ll ever perform in the way I used to,”** Dion admitted. **“But I can still sing. I still have something to say. And I’m not done yet.
A Message of Hope
As the interview aired, fans and fellow artists took to social media to praise Dion’s courage. Hashtags like WeLoveYouCeline and MusicIsMyTherapy began trending, as millions shared clips and quotes from the emotional broadcast.
Singer Adele tweeted, *“Celine has always been one of my greatest inspirations. Her bravery and grace in the face of this challenge is beyond moving.
In the closing moments of the interview, Dion addressed her fans directly with a tearful but hopeful message:
I want you to know that I’m fighting. I’m doing everything I can to be strong—for my kids, for myself, and for you. Thank you for your love. I carry it with me every single day.
With her unmatched voice, vulnerable heart, and unwavering spirit, Celine Dion continues to show the world that true strength lies not in perfection—but in perseverance.
