Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers Discloses Cervical Dystonia and Essential Tremor Diagnoses, Affects Upcoming Tour Performance
Emily Saliers, one-half of the acclaimed duo Indigo Girls, has revealed that she is grappling with two incurable medical conditions that may impact her vocal performance during the group’s upcoming tour. Saliers, alongside her bandmate Amy Ray, shared this news in a recent post on the band’s social media platforms.
Medical Conditions Affecting Vocal Performance
In a video posted on the band’s Instagram account, Saliers disclosed that she has been living with these diagnoses for some time. She stated that the conditions, cervical dystonia and essential tremor, progressively worsen over time. Cervical dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects muscle control, while essential tremor is a nervous system disorder that causes involuntary shaking.
Saliers expressed her desire to be transparent about her health issues, emphasizing the noticeable changes in her voice. She noted, “Many of you have noticed that my voice — maybe all of you have noticed, it’s pretty noticeable — that my voice is not what it once was.”
Impact of Cervical Dystonia and Essential Tremor
Saliers elaborated on her diagnosis of cervical dystonia with torticollis, explaining that it affects the part of her brain responsible for movement. This condition causes her head to twist and misalign, leading to involuntary shaking. She described the structural challenges this poses for her vocal apparatus, stating, “It’s impossible for me to hold my head centrally without shaking.”
The essential tremor, which she described as more challenging, affects her singing apparatus, including the larynx and diaphragm. “I am completely physically unable to hold a straight tone the way I used to,” she remarked, highlighting the difficulties she faces in maintaining the vocal quality that fans have come to appreciate.
Upcoming Tour and Treatment Plan
The Indigo Girls are set to launch a U.S. tour, beginning in Athens, Ohio, on April 24, with dates scheduled through mid-December. Saliers has outlined her treatment plan, which includes therapeutic massage, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and Botox injections in her neck and shoulders. She is also collaborating with a vocal coach experienced in assisting singers with movement disorders.
Despite the challenges, Saliers remains committed to delivering the best possible performances. She acknowledged the support from her bandmate Ray and expressed her determination to utilize modern technology to enhance their sound. “We are doing everything we can to make the songs sound as good as they can possibly sound,” she stated.
Community Support and Reflections on Aging
Saliers reflected on the emotional toll of her diagnoses, noting, “Unfortunately, there’s no cure for these, so the honest fact is that my voice will not be what it was.” She also shared her thoughts on aging, stating, “I hate that I’m only 62 and it’s happened to me, but we are both aging. People age. We are trying to look at this organically as a process of our own aging.”
Support from fans and industry peers has poured in, with many expressing admiration for her authenticity and courage. Chely Wright commented on social media, calling Saliers “the definition of authenticity, courage, and grace.”
Brandi Carlile, a lifelong fan of the Indigo Girls, also showed her support. She shared the duo’s video update on her Instagram account, expressing her gratitude for their influence on her musical journey. “Being an Indigo Girls fan is a life-long privilege,” she wrote, emphasizing the deep connection fans have with the duo’s music.
As reported by www.billboard.com.
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Published on 2026-04-20 03:14:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk