Celine Dion is facing a challenging time due to her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome, a rare and debilitating neurological disorder.
At 55, the Canadian singer’s battle with this condition has been a source of concern for her fans and especially her large, close-knit family and 13 siblings Denise, Clément, Claudette, Liette, Michel, Louise, Jacques, Daniel, Ghislaine, Linda, Manon and twins Paul and Pauline.
© GettyHer elder sister, Claudette Dion, has been particularly vocal, providing updates on Celine's health and the impact of the disorder on her life and career.
She recently revealed, "Celine is working hard, but she doesn't have control over her muscles. Our mother always told her, 'You're going to do it well, you're going to do it properly.' It's true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage."
Born into a musical family in Charlemagne, Quebec, Celine is the youngest of 14 children. Her family has always played a significant role in her life, both personally and professionally.
How Celine's family helped her career
© Michel PONOMAREFF/PONOPRESSECeline's career began at a young age, influenced by her siblings' love for music. Her brother Jacques co-wrote her first song, which her brother Michel sent to music manager René Angélil, who later became both Celine's agent and husband.
Michel, a crucial figure in Celine's early career, worked as her assistant tour manager. Claudette, also a singer, has judged local singing competitions and appeared on reality TV.
© GettyThe twins, Paul and Pauline, have also been involved in their sister's career, with Pauline founding Celine's fan club and Paul working with their mother’s charity, Fondation Maman Dion.
Manon, Celine's personal assistant and hairdresser, has worked closely with her sister, supporting her during tours and personal challenges.
Many of them lead private lives
© GettyLouise and Jacques lead relatively private lives, as does Denise, the eldest Dion sibling, and Clément, who, along with Celine and her late husband, once co-owned the Club de Golf Le Mirage.
Linda has been a supportive presence in Celine's life, particularly after the birth of Celine's twins, Eddy and Nelson.
A tragic history of illness
Liette, another of Celine's sisters, faced tragedy with the loss of her daughter Karine to cystic fibrosis, a cause Celine later championed.
© GettyDaniel, the eighth of the Dion children, was known as a man of many talents but sadly passed away from cancer in 2016.
His obituary described him as a beloved family member who battled cancer courageously. Ghislaine, also a singer, has faced her own health challenges, including throat cancer.
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