Céline Dion has announced her long-awaited return to performing live after a lengthy break caused by a rare health condition.
Addressing fans on social media in a video released on her birthday, the 58-year-old singer called the news of her comeback “the best gift”. She said her condition had improved and she would perform a series of shows in Paris, beginning in September.
“This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life. I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again,” she said. “I want to let you know that I’m doing great, managing my health, feeling good.”
Dion first revealed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. In 2023, Dion cancelled her Courage world tour as a result of her health.
There is no known cure for stiff person syndrome. Treatment can help alleviate symptoms of the condition that can cause stiff muscles in the torso, arms and legs.
The 2024 documentary “I Am: Céline Dion” provided an insight into the severity of her pain from the condition, including having a seizure.
Despite the diagnosis, Dion vowed she would fight her way back to the stage. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl,” she said in the film. “And I won’t stop. I won’t stop.” The film became Amazon’s most-watched documentary ever.
Later that year Dion sang from the Eiffel Tower for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, while athletes sailed down the river in pouring rain.
She sang Edith Piaf’s Hymne a L’Amour for a global audience of millions, her first live onstage performance since early 2020.
On Monday, Dion told fans that she has continued to feel their support despite her years off stage. “Even in my most difficult times, you were there for me. You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t even describe, and I’m truly so fortunate to have your support,” she said. She said that she was now “singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing”.
Dion will perform 10 shows over five weeks at the Paris La Défense Arena, beginning on 12 September.
The Quebec-born singer was first launched on to the global stage in 1988 while representing Switzerland at the Eurovision song contest in Dublin. Her 1993 album The Colour of My Love catapulted her into international stardom and yielded her first US No 1 hit, The Power of Love.
In 1997, her song My Heart Will Go On was featured in the Oscar-winning film Titanic and became a smash-hit, becoming the second-bestselling single by a woman in music history.