Celine Dion's sister shares emotional update on singer's debilitating health battle

Celine Dion’s sister, Claudette Dion, has appeared on Quebec television and addressed Celine's fight against the rare neurological condition Stiff Person Syndrome.

Celine told fans in an emotional video statement that she received the Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis in December. “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” she said.

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Claudette said that Celine is in "a determined state of mind" and "working hard" to manage her symptoms.

"We're all crossing our fingers, and I'm glad people are concerned," Claudette told host Jean-Philippe Wauthier. "She is working hard, and we are confident that we will succeed. It can't be a story like this," she added.

Claudette also shared an emotional conversation she had with Celine, in which she told her sister: "This can't be possible. Heaven made a mistake." Celine reportedly replied: "You are going to make me cry."

Claudette's update comes after Celine made the difficult decision to completely cancel her world tour after several postponements following her diagnosis. "I'm working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you're 100 per cent," she said in a statement earlier.

"I'm so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. It's not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it's best that we cancel everything now until I'm really ready to be back on stage again. I want you all to know, I'm not giving up… and I can't wait to see you again!"