Celine Dion has shared the approach that enabled her to return to the stage at the Paris Olympics after disclosing her struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome.
On Friday (July 27), the 56-year-old singer delivered a stunning performance of Edith Piaf’s ‘L’Hymne A L’Amour’ from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to conclude the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics.
This marked Dion’s first appearance since she made the tough call to cancel both her Las Vegas residency and her Courage World Tour.
Dion initially retreated from the public eye in 2021, citing health issues, and later disclosed her diagnosis of ‘stiff person syndrome’ (SPS).
SPS is a rare neurological disorder that typically affects women in their 40s and 50s, as stated by Mayo Clinic. The condition is characterized by muscle stiffness, spasms, and heightened startle reflexes that often lead to falls.
Earlier this summer, Dion offered fans an open view of her SPS challenges through her new Amazon Prime documentary, I Am: Celine Dion.
Directed by Irene Taylor, the documentary has received an exceptional 100 percent rating on the Rotten Tomatometer. It features the ‘I’m Alive’ singer providing a transparent look at life with a debilitating illness.
In an interview with French Vogue earlier this year, Dion discussed the steps she took to prepare for her Parisian stage return.
She revealed to the magazine that she had been engaging in daily physical and vocal therapy to ensure she could fulfill her commitment to perform.
“There’s one thing that will never stop, and that’s the will. It’s the passion. It’s the dream. It’s the determination,” Dion stated.
“The way I see it, I have two choices. Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over.
“I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of the mirror and sing to myself.
“I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!”
Fortunately, Dion’s determination and hard work paid off, and she later took to Twitter to express her gratitude for the opportunity to perform at the event in France.
“Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance,” she wrote.
“All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you!”
“You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!”