Emily Saliers, one half of the Indigo Girls, announced she has been diagnosed with cervical dystonia and essential tremor, two incurable conditions affecting her singing voice. She shared the details in a video on the band's Instagram ahead of their U.S. tour starting this week. Saliers detailed how the disorders impact her vocal performance and outlined her treatment plan.
Emily Saliers revealed her diagnoses in a video posted to the Indigo Girls' Instagram account on April 18. Recorded during rehearsals in Atlanta, she explained that cervical dystonia with torticollis causes her head to twist to the right and shake, misaligning her throat area. The essential tremor affects her larynx, pharyngeal muscles, jaw, and diaphragm, leading to involuntary shakes and an unwanted vibrato that prevents her from holding straight tones as before. At 62, Saliers noted these conditions worsen over time with no cure available, making it impossible for her voice to return to its previous state. She emphasized wanting to be transparent with fans about changes to the duo's harmonies, which fans have long appreciated. The Indigo Girls, Grammy winners for their 1990 self-titled album and with mid-1990s top 10 Billboard 200 hits like Swamp Ophelia and Shaming of the Sun, begin their U.S. tour on April 24 in Athens, Ohio, with dates through mid-December. Saliers described her management plan including therapeutic massage, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, Botox injections in her neck and shoulders, and work with a specialized vocal coach. Bandmate Amy Ray has been supportive, and they plan to use modern digital tools from front-of-house engineers to optimize show sound. Saliers received widespread support online. Chely Wright commented, “You are the definition of authenticity, courage and grace.” Brandi Carlile, a lifelong fan who covered the band's “Cannonball” in 2017, reposted the video, praising the duo's influence and urging Saliers to keep singing, assuring fans would join in loudly.
