I Am: Celine Dion viewers 'broken' and 'sobbing' after harrowing scenes

There has been an outpouring of love for Celine Dion after her moving documentary film I Am: Celine Dion aired on Prime Video.

Dion documented her ongoing health struggles with rare neurological condition Stiff Person Syndrome, which most commonly causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms which get worse over time. Although she went public with her diagnosis in 2022, the musician said she had been experiencing symptoms for 17 years. During one of her most challenging moments, Dion said she could barely walk.

The documentary film included the harrowing scene where Dion had a seizure and afterwards she told the cameras, "Every time something like this happens it makes you feel so embarrassed, I don't know how to express it, you do not have control of yourself." As it is happening on screen, we see Dion get help from her sports therapist who said: "She's going into a seizure... She's in a crisis."

I Am: Celine Dion emotional scenes

Dion didn’t want to cut stiffening episode, director Irene Taylor told Yahoo. She said of the moment, "It was very upsetting. Very upsetting. I know it's hard on some viewers, it was hard on me too. But I will tell you that Celine felt validated to see herself like that and she thought it would help her if other people could understand what it is like."

Other emotional moments in the documentary film saw Dion break down in tears over lying to her fans and not being able to sing like she used to while struggling with symptoms of the neurological condition. After demonstrating her struggle at being able to sing, she said: "It’s very difficult for me to hear that... I don't want people to hear that."

The singer never gives up, however, and the documentary film finished with a powerful message. She told the cameras: "I still see myself dance and sing. If I can’t run, I’ll walk, and if I can’t walk I’ll crawl but I won’t stop. I won’t stop."

Critics have celebrated I Am: Celine Dion as a "love letter" to her fans and the New York Post were among those that called it "harrowing" but a story of "hope". It wasn't only well received by critics though as fans took to social media to share their thoughts after seeing it on Prime Video, available from Tuesday worldwide.

I Am: Celine Dion viewers are heartbroken

Social media was awash with viewers who were incredibly moved by the documentary film and fans said they were left in tears by what they had just watched. Leading the comments, one person wrote: "The intimacy and vulnerability of #CelineDion’s new documentary #iamcelinedion brings me to tears! So much respect and admiration for her. It couldn’t be easy sharing this with the world."

Another person wrote: "Escaping from the world for a while and watched this documentary film about #CelineDion What a beautiful, talented, passionate and humble woman. Made me cry seeing her vulnerability because it is true that health is everything. I hope she has a future happy & pain free."

Among the flurry of comments online from all over the world, one wrote: "Second time watching and I sobbed. Again. I freaking LOVE this woman. #Celine #CelineDion #IAMCELINEDION."

Read more: Celine Dion

• Celine Dion breaks down in tears over lying to fans before sharing diagnosis

• What to expect from Céline Dion documentary I Am

• ‘I miss music’: Celine Dion weeps as she shows what happens when she tries to sing (The Independent, 3 min read)

Watching at home, one viewer wrote: "Wowsers. #IAmCelineDion just broke me. I am so moved."

Another wrote: "It's raw and honest, the documentary is amazing, Celine is such a force despite the adversity, she never feels sorry for herself, the last scene after the studio session is heartbreaking ! i command her to be an open book and an inspiration! love u Celine."

More people added: "Celine is a beautiful soul on this earth. My heart completely goes out to her. I know she will get back on that stage someday soon. Her courage is unmatched. First time a documentary has nearly brought me to tears. #IAMCelineDion Yes you are!"

In addition, another person else wrote: "It’s here!!!! Run, don’t walk!!! But bring Kleenex!!! Even if you aren’t a huge fan, this is an incredible documentary. #IAMCelineDion #celinedion."

Other fans wrote: Just watched I Am Celine Dion and that was so raw, honest and emotional. So sad and so hard but if anyone can find their voice again and get back on their feet, it’s @celinedion !! She’s one determined lady!!! We can’t wait for her return! #IAmCelineDion."

Additionally someone wrote: "I just finished it, truly no words…I’ll need a time to fully process it for sure..for now just one thing, I love Celine with all my heart."

Another viewer wrote: "Have no words for how truly heart wrenching #IAmCelineDion is. "I think I was very good" broke me."

Someone else watching wrote: I have just finished watching “I Am Celine Dion” on Amazon. I cannot express how raw, heartbreaking and, at times, distressing it is. This’ll be with me for some time. #iamcelinedion."

Directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, I Am: Celine Dion is available worldwide on Prime Video on 25 June.