10 Emotional Reveals in I Am Celine Dion

10 Emotional Reveals in I Am: Celine Dion

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at the most emotional reveals from the documentary “I Am: Celine Dion.”

Early Signs of SPS

It was only a couple of years ago that the public learned Celine Dion was living with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), an autoimmune neurological disorder that’s estimated to affect one in a million people, according to the National Institute of Health. Despite only recently opening up about her rare diagnosis, Dion had been experiencing symptoms nearly 17 years earlier. During her Taking Chances World Tour in 2008, Dion started suffering from spasms. As a result, she struggled to control her muscles, most notably her vocal cords. This baffled medical professionals for years, most likely due to the condition’s uncommonness. It wasn’t until August 2022 that Dr. Amanda Piquet officially diagnosed Dion with SPS. Although Dion quickly sought treatment, there’s no cure for SPS.

Feeling Isolated

COVID-19 has sparked numerous conversations about isolation. Since the pandemic peaked, many of us have ventured back into the outside world. Although Dion returned to the spotlight in 2021, it’d be short-lived. Shortly after receiving her diagnosis, Dion didn’t leave her home for two years. This wasn’t because Dion felt too sick to go out in public. While she needed time to rehabilitate, Dion feared that if people saw her socializing, they’d argue she wasn’t “that sick.” In the documentary, Dion discussed the psychological impact SPS has had on her. (xref) It’s understandably a source of struggle, but her loved ones have helped lighten the load a bit. She’s maintained a strong support system through her children and pets.

A Warehouse of Memories

Few performers have rocked more iconic looks throughout the decades than Celine Dion. She’s donned enough designer ensembles to fill an entire warehouse. We’re not exaggerating when we say that. The documentary follows her to a literal warehouse lined with familiar outfits, some of which have only been worn once. In addition to priceless dresses and shoes, Dion has stored a plethora of suitcases, Christmas decorations, furniture, and much more. The warehouse is essentially a museum that encapsulates Dion’s life. Not just her life, but also her children’s. Dion held onto their first toys, old drawings, and other childhood mementos. It’s a charming walk down memory lane. Alas, Dion notes that even walking is getting hard for her.

Devastated About Cancelled Shows

Dion’s Courage World Tour ended abruptly in March 2020 after only 52 performances. As COVID wound down, she hoped to resume the tour by spring 2022. During January of that year, though, Dion announced that her North American performances had been canceled. While Dion cited “severe and persistent muscle spasms,” it wasn’t until December 2022 that the public learned the full extent of her medical issues. As her condition continued to take its toll, Dion was forced to cancel her European dates in May 2023, officially ending the tour. Although Dion had to do this for her health, it wasn’t an easy decision. Dion felt as if she had let her fans down, expressing remorse to everyone who bought a ticket.

Growing Up

In addition to living with SPS, the documentary reflects on Dion’s upbringing. Even before she was born, music played an essential role in Dion’s life, bringing her mother and father together. Adhémar and Thérèse Dion had fourteen children, one of whom is known worldwide. Despite working hard, feeding sixteen mouths would be a challenge for any parent. Dion recalled when the family had no food in the house other than some dough and carrots. Thérèse thus made “carrot pie,” hoping that her children wouldn’t find the dish questionable. In any case, Dion never saw her mother as anything less than a superhero. Thérèse was and still is an inspiration to Celine while her family as a whole helped shape her into the performer she is.

A Gift From Her Late Husband

In 1994, Dion married her longtime manager, René Angélil. They remained together until 2016 when throat cancer claimed Angélil’s life. Outside of archival footage, the documentary doesn’t delve deep into Angélil’s death. In one of the more bittersweet moments, though, Dion shares a necklace that her late husband gave her. No, it’s not the Heart of the Ocean, but it’s just as valuable. Maria Callas is one of the most renowned opera singers who ever lived. Dion idolizes Callas, even paying tribute to her through “La diva” on her 2007 album, “D’elles.” Angélil gifted Dion a necklace that once belonged to Callas. This is much more than a piece of jewelry to Dion. It’s a symbol of strength that Dion hopes rubs off on her.

Too Ill to Perform

Dion attempted to hide her declining health, sometimes having the audience sing lyrics to give her voice a rest. She would also tap on her mic, making it seem as if technological issues were to blame. Dion was heavily medicated during this period, at one point taking 90 milligrams of Valium daily. She acknowledged this was a dangerous amount that could’ve ended her life. Nevertheless, Dion felt she couldn’t walk, talk, or perform other basic functions without medication. Even then, Dion lacked the adrenaline needed to get her through performances. Dion did everything in her power to uphold the saying, “The show must go on.” For the show to go on, though, Dion eventually had no choice but to step away from the spotlight.

Coming Forward About Condition

Aside from the struggles of SPS, keeping her condition under wraps weighed down on Dion physically and mentally. As Dion saw it, she had been “lying” to her fans, and she couldn’t bear to keep such a heavy secret from them any longer. Almost a year after first publicly alluding to her health troubles, Dion revealed that she had been diagnosed with SPS in December 2022. Her tearful announcement proved difficult, but it also provided an opportunity for relief. Although Dion would still be carrying much on her back, her pain no longer had to remain hidden.

Her Seizure

In what might be the documentary’s most stressful moment, Dion endures an excruciating seizure during physical therapy. While Dion has described her condition in great detail, this is the closest that the audience comes to experiencing her vulnerability, pain, and fear. Dion gave her blessing to keep filming, but director Irene Taylor Brodsky wasn’t sure how she’d respond after seeing a rough cut. Dion reportedly told her, “Don’t cut down that scene.” In the finished cut, the scene lasts several minutes. That might seem like a long time, although it’s only a fraction of what Dion has been through. Showing is more powerful than telling. Through this scene, it’s clear that Dion wanted viewers to see what people with SPS regularly face.

Returning to Singing

Time will only tell if Celine Dion ever returns to the stage. Through this documentary, though, Dion proudly proclaims that she’s not giving up. After not publicly performing for years, we see Dion take the initial steps toward singing again. With her first trip back to the recording studio, Dion demonstrates that she still possesses a one-of-a-kind voice. At the same time, the session isn’t without speedbumps as Dion reckons with the limitations attached to SPS. Whether or not she can hit the notes as she once did, Dion plans to keep going and this documentary is only the beginning. Shortly before “I Am: Celine Dion” premiered, she stated, “We have been working so hard to put this show together, because I’m back.”

What did you think of “I Am: Celine Dion?” Let us know in the comments.