LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Celine Dion has reportedly been leaning on her close pal Shania Twain as she tries her best to make a "miracle comeback" amid her health struggles.
The 'My Heart Will Go On' hitmaker was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in December, with an insider spilling that the neurological condition is worse than expected. The renowned artist recently postponed a hotly anticipated concert tour in order to cope with the condition.
“Celine and Shania have been close for years," a source told Radar Online. "They have quietly supported each other and been confidantes for decades.” After the demise of Celine's doting husband and manager, René Angelil, in 2016, Shania allegedly helped her fellow Canadian songstress navigate various aspects of her career she never had to face before. “These were things that Shania went through as well after her divorce,” the source added.
Shania has been married to Frederic Thiebaud since 2011 after splitting from producer Mutt Lange in 2010. Furthermore, Celine's recent health struggles have only brought them closer than ever. “Shania wants Celine to know she is not alone,” said the insider. “Because it’s a lonely struggle to go through, especially when you are trying to keep the fight private.”
It's worth noting that Shania is a huge Celine fan. She sang praises about her fellow Canadian hitmaker on a March 2022 episode of 'Home Now Radio' on Apple Music Hits. Speaking of her favorite global hits by artists from around the world, Shania said Celine's 'I Drove All Night' is part of her vocal warm-up. “Now, I love this song, but my favorite version of this song is by Céline Dion,” she said, referencing the original track by Cyndi Lauper.
“The Céline Dion version is part of my vocal warm-up routine before shows. Any Céline Dion recording is a vocal challenge for me anyway because she’s one of our greatest vocalists of all time," she added. “All of her vocals are a positive vocal exercise for me that I take on as challenges, especially up in the higher range, and ‘I Drove All Night’ is one of those songs.”
Last week, Celine canceled the remaining dates for her Courage World Tour. She was set to perform in 2023 and 2024 but said she needed to focus on her health. "I want you all to know, I'm not giving up … and I can't wait to see you again!" she told her fans. The 'I'm Alive' hitmaker is doing her best to overcome the side effects of stiff-person syndrome, which is a rare neurological disorder causing uncontrollable spasms and muscle rigidity.
An insider with knowledge told Radar Online that she's dedicated to overcoming her health issues and is drawing inspiration from her fond memories of her late husband René. “Celine plans to write a comeback story for the ages and make René proud from above,” a pal told the outlet. “She isn’t going to retire without a fight.”
Another source said, "Celine is keeping her condition private at the moment, but her life has changed drastically. She sees specialists like a neurologist, a holistic practitioner, and occupational and physical therapists. Still, she is holding out hope that she can beat the odds." The acclaimed singer has been working on getting stronger in preparation for a potential return tour in 2024.
The insider added, "She's going to fight this with everything she's got. She just wants to sing live in front of an audience again. She's determined to perform on stage. It's sad that her illness is preventing her from doing the thing she loves most. Knowing Celine, she will perform again very soon."
