Why Céline Dion Waited to Share Her Stiff Person Syndrome Diagnosis

The "My Heart Will Go On" singer has been candid about her health struggles since sharing her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in 2022, but even now, she knows the importance of her telling her story and feeling the encouragement from her fans.

"For a long time—for so many years—I have felt the love and the support of my fans around the world," Céline exclusively told E! News June 17 at the premiere of her documentary I Am: Céline Dion. "They helped me to get where I am today."

And yet, the 56-year-old explained in the interview—airing June 18 at 11 p.m.—that she was nervous about sharing her diagnosis in the beginning, because she was "not capable of being the best of me." But the Grammy winner is hoping the documentary will be a chance "to share with the world that there's [been] something going on for many, many, many years."

"Because I respect my fans, my family, my kids, myself," she continued, "they deserve to know."

As Céline—who shares sons René-Charles, 23, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13, with her late husband René Angélil—explained, her health journey has included many hurdles, especially early on when doctors were still determining her diagnosis. But Céline is maintaining her positive attitude.

"It's not about choosing what you have," she said. "It's dealing with what's happening."

And more than anything, the "All By Myself" singer is hopeful her documentary—which premieres on Amazon Prime June 25—can shine the spotlight on health issues that many viewers might not be familiar with.

"I'm trying for this awareness," she added, "for the people who may feel that they're alone, they're suffering."