Céline Dion says she always brings cherished photos when she goes to the doctor for treatments
- Céline Dion carries photos of her late husband to the doctor's whenever she goes for medical treatment.
- "I'm still married to René. He's still my husband," Dion told People.
Céline Dion still keeps her late husband and longtime manager, René Angélil, close to her heart — she even carries his photo around to feel supported at the doctor's.
"I'm still married to René. He's still my husband. When we have to travel to my treatments to see my doctors, I always bring pictures," Dion told People in an interview published on Wednesday. "And we have pictures, of course, all over the place in the house."
Dion and Angélil tied the knot in December 1994 and share three kids: René-Charles, 23, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13. Angélil died in 2016 at 73 after a battle with throat cancer.
The singer also shared that her children will always remind her to bring photos of Angélil along whenever she packs for a trip.
"My kids are always asking, 'Did you bring Papa's pictures?' And I'm like, 'Yes, I have Papa's pictures!'" Dion said. "He's their dad, and he's my husband, and he will always be."
Dion first announced that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in December 2022.
Stiff-person syndrome is a rare, progressive neurological disorder that can cause symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms.
There is no cure for the condition, although it can be managed through medication, immune therapies, as well as physical therapy.
In April, Dion told Vogue France that she goes to therapy five days a week and trains "like an athlete" as part of her treatment plan.
Although stiff-person syndrome is very rare — affecting one in a million, according to one estimate — there are an estimated 129 million people in the US who have at least one major chronic illness, per the CDC.
While stress is a part of everyday life, those who are dealing with chronic illnesses may experience even more stress due to pain and the unpredictability of their symptoms.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, one way to manage the stress of having a chronic condition is to find support through family and friends. It can also be helpful to let go of unnecessary obligations and spend time more meaningfully, such as engaging in hobbies or other activities that spark joy.
Eating healthy, sleeping regularly, as well as reducing caffeine intake are also ways to manage anxiety and stress.