The Canadian singer, 56, belted out Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne A L’Amour from the middle of the Eiffel Tower on Friday, amid her battle with stiff person syndrome (SPS). In 2021, she cancelled her Las Vegas residency because of health concerns, before disclosing her SPS diagnosis in December 2022 and cancelling her Courage World Tour. Dion has not performed in public since.
She wrote on Instagram: “I’m honoured to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favourite cities! “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance. “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!” The five-time Grammy winner also posted images of her making a heart sign, wearing the same beaded silver gown with a high neckline that she wore during her performance, with an image of fans carrying a flag, made in the Olympics-style with the “o” in her name written using the games’ rings.
She spoke about her rare condition, which causes progressive muscular inflexibility, during the 2024 documentary I Am: Celine Dion. Dion discussed her desire to return to the stage and the programme showed .