Indigo Girls star Emily Saliers details vocal struggles after medical diagnosis
The Indigo Girls singer shared the diagnosis ahead of the duo’s 2026 tour
Emily Saliers has shared that she has been diagnosed with two movement disorders, opening up about the impact on her voice as she prepares to return to the stage with Indigo Girls.
In a video message posted on April 17, Saliers, 62, announced she is living with Cervical dystonia and Essential tremor.
She explained that the conditions have significantly affected her ability to sing, altering her vocal control and tone.
Saliers appeared alongside her longtime bandmate Amy Ray in the video, which was filmed in Atlanta as the duo rehearsed for their upcoming tour. She said she wanted to be transparent with fans about the challenges she is facing.
“It’s pretty noticeable that my voice is not what it once was,” Saliers said, adding that the diagnoses have made it difficult to maintain vocal stability.
She further revealed that her cervical dystonia includes torticollis, a condition commonly known as wryneck, which affects her ability to hold her head steady.
According to Saliers, the physical strain has directly impacted her throat and vocal performance.
The essential tremor, she explained, disrupts the muscle coordination needed for singing, making it difficult to produce a steady tone. As a result, she now experiences a pronounced vibrato that she did not previously have.
Despite the challenges, Saliers said she is undergoing treatment that includes physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and working with a vocal coach who specializes in movement disorders affecting singers. She noted, however, that there is currently no cure.
The emotional announcement comes just days before the Indigo Girls’ 2026 tour is set to begin on April 24. Saliers acknowledged the uncertainty ahead but expressed determination to continue performing.
Her bandmate Ray has remained a strong source of support, with the duo approaching the situation as part of the natural process of aging while continuing their decades-long musical partnership.
Saliers also asked fans for understanding during the tour, noting that any changes in performance are due to physical limitations rather than a lack of effort.