Debbie Gibson Refuses to Let Lyme Disease Hold Her Back

Debbie Gibson, the powerhouse behind hits like “Electric Youth,” has been living with Lyme disease since 2013. But if you think this diagnosis has slowed her down, think again. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Debbie, now 47, opened up about her battle with the illness, emphasizing her determination to live life on her own terms. “I don’t let it define who I am—or keep me down for long,” she said with unwavering strength.

While Lyme disease has certainly changed her life, Debbie views it as an opportunity to adapt and grow. “My immune and nervous system are forever changed,” she confessed during the 2017 Open Hearts Gala in Beverly Hills. “But I’ve learned to live by a new set of rules that work for me.” It’s this mindset that keeps her moving forward, even when the road gets tough.

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Fighting Back with Preventative Medicine and Support

Debbie was diagnosed with Lyme disease—a bacterial illness that causes extreme fatigue and memory issues—nearly five years ago. Thanks to her partner of nearly a decade, Rutledge Taylor, she’s embraced preventative medicine to manage her symptoms. “There are times when I feel absolutely amazing, almost pain-free, but there are still days when I feel like a shadow of myself,” Debbie explained. “A few years ago, I couldn’t even ride a bike during the holidays. It’s tough, but I refuse to stay home and act sick!”

Rutledge has been instrumental in Debbie’s journey, diving deep into research about Lyme disease and exploring integrative approaches. “He’s my rock,” Debbie said. “He introduced me to nontraditional therapies like meditation, which have made such a difference. My advice to anyone else going through this? Get back to the basics—clean, healthy foods, and self-care.”

Continuing to Achieve Career Milestones

Despite her health challenges, Debbie hasn’t let Lyme disease slow her career. “I’m determined to live my life to the fullest,” she told Closer. One of her latest ventures was competing on Season 25 of Dancing With the Stars. While she was eliminated early, Debbie credits the experience with pushing her limits. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she revealed how difficult it was to dance while managing unpredictable symptoms.

“The randomness and unpredictability of Lyme disease make performing on a show like DWTS incredibly challenging,” Debbie admitted. “There were days when I’d wake up and say, ‘My ankles aren’t working today. What are we going to do?’ But you just have to roll with the punches. My body is finally starting to do what it’s supposed to do, and that’s a victory in itself.”