Celine Dion Has Heartbreaking Connection to Massachusetts

People can’t stop talking about Celine Dion.

The Canadian superstar made a surprise appearance at the 66^th Grammy Awards on Sunday. She had been mostly avoiding the spotlight since she revealed her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome in December of 2022, but she seemed to be glowing on the Grammy stage as she presented Album of the Year to Taylor Swift.

While she has spent most of her time in Canada and Las Vegas, Dion found herself spending a lot of time in Massachusetts at one point, and it’s for a heartbreaking reason.

Celine Dion’s Time in Massachusetts

Back in 2015, Dion’s longtime husband and manager, Rene Angelil, was being treated for throat cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, widely regarded among the best medical facilities in the world. She and her family took up residence in the suburbs near the hospital to support her husband’s ongoing cancer battle. She had been to Boston many times before, usually headlining sold-out shows at TD Garden. This was different.

Dion spoke with People Magazine during that time and said, “I am scared of losing him because it’s bad, but I have to show myself, my husband, and my kids that I’m strong and we’re OK.”

Dion’s time in Massachusetts seemingly came to an end shortly after, and Angelil lost his battle with cancer just one year later.

Dion and Angelil had been married since 1994.

Celine Dion’s Life Now

Just before the start of 2023, Dion shared the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that most commonly causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time.

“Stiff person syndrome most often causes painful muscle contractions and spasms that often begin in the legs and back,” Hopkins Medicine said. “Spasms can also affect the abdomen, and less often the upper trunk, arms, neck and face.”

Dion bravely shared her health update on Instagram, speaking directly to her fans about her diagnosis.

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A post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion)

“Unfortunately, the spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” she said. “I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”

A new documentary titled I Am: Celine Dion is coming to Prime Video and will detail the diva's health journey. No release date has been announced, but fans eagerly await more details.