‘One of the hardest experiences of my life’

Celine Dion isn’t giving up as she battles her autoimmune disease.

The beloved singing icon, 55, took to Instagram to update fans on her health struggles on Friday, which also marked International Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day.

Dion — who has been suffering from the illness since 2022 — smiled in an accompanying photo with her three sons, René-Charles Angélil, 25, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13.

She shares her sons with her late husband, René Angélil, who died in 2016.

She thanked her fans and family for sticking by her side amid her harrowing health crisis.

“Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day,” the “My Heart Will Go On” crooner penned.

“Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible. I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you,” she continued.

The Canadian native added: “I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!”

Her post was also translated into French for her international fans.

According to RareDiseases.org, Stiff Person Syndrome is a “rare acquired neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (rigidity) and repeated episodes of painful muscle spasms.”

The pop icon was diagnosed with SPS in fall 2022 and revealed the news in a teary-eyed video at the time, also announcing she would have to postpone her European tour. It was subsequently canceled last year.

“As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but i’m ready now,” she said.

“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”

In November 2023, Dion made her first public appearance in nearly four years when she attended a hockey game in Las Vegas.

The game was between the Vegas Golden Knights and her hometown team, the Montreal Canadiens.

Meanwhile, the “Because You Loved Me” songstress delighted fans after making a surprise appearance at this year’s Grammy Awards.

She stepped out at the conclusion of the ceremony to present the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift for “Midnights.”

“Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards must never take for granted the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people all around the world,” Dion said.

“It gives me great joy to present a Grammy Award that two legends, Diana Ross and Sting, presented to me 27 years ago,” she smiled.