Overview
- Emily Saliers announced in an Instagram video recorded during rehearsals in Atlanta that she has cervical dystonia and essential tremor, conditions she said have no cure and will change her singing voice.
- She explained that cervical dystonia twists her head and causes shaking, while essential tremor affects her larynx, jaw, throat muscles and diaphragm, leading to an unwanted vibrato and making straight tones hard to hold.
- The Indigo Girls will proceed with their U.S. tour, with Lucy Wainwright Roche joining to help on some songs and front‑of‑house tools used to support the vocals during shows.
- Saliers outlined a symptom‑management plan that includes therapeutic massage, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, Botox injections in her neck and shoulders, and work with a vocal coach who specializes in movement disorders.
- Fans and fellow artists, including Brandi Carlile, Sara Bareilles and Chely Wright, posted public messages of support as Saliers, 62, framed the diagnosis as part of aging and asked audiences for grace this year.