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Céline Dion performed at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, her first live performance since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in 2022.
Dion had been spotted in Paris several times this week, prompting speculation that she would be taking the stage during the opening ceremony celebrations on Friday, July 26. But while the 56-year-old Canadian singer was rumored to be performing during the opening celebration, her attendance was not confirmed until she graced the stage halfway up the Eiffel Tower at the grand finale.
Dion's emotional performance, which closed the opening ceremony, came after the “My Heart Will Go On” singer broke down in tears while discussing the “very rare neurological disorder” that led her to cancel her world tour amid her health battle.
At the time of her world tour cancellation, the singer said in a statement: “I’m working really hard to get my strength back, but touring can be really hard even when you’re 100 percent.”
She added: “I’m so sorry to disappoint you all once again. It’s not fair to you to keep postponing shows, and although it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m truly ready to get back on stage again.
In December 2022, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer posted an emotional video on her Instagram page explaining that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, which she says affects “every aspect of my daily life.”
She said the rare condition has been causing her to have muscle spasms that affect her ability to perform and sing. “I’ve been dealing with health issues for a long time and I’ve found it very difficult to face my challenges and talk about everything I’ve been going through,” Dion said in a tearful video.
She continued: “I was recently diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which affects one in a million people.
“Although we are still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what has been causing all the spasms I have been having.”
The singer also canceled eight of her summer shows scheduled for 2023 and rescheduled her spring 2023 shows to 2024.
“I miss you all so much,” the singer told her fans. “I always give 100 percent when I do my shows, but my condition doesn’t allow me to give you that right now.”
However, Dion assured her fans that she has a “great team of doctors” working hard to help her get better, but admitted it has been a “struggle.” She has since made a number of appearances, including at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she received a standing ovation.
What is stiff person syndrome?
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is an autoimmune and neurological disorder that causes stiffness in the torso and limbs. Symptoms include stiffness in the torso and limbs, along with muscle spasms.
Symptoms may be triggered by environmental stimuli (such as loud noises) or emotional stress. Severe muscle spasms may cause a person to fall.
These symptoms can lead to difficulty walking and, over time, even greater disability.
What causes stiff person syndrome?
Although the cause of SPS remains unknown, researchers suspect it may be caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks nerve cells in the central nervous system that control muscle movement, according to Yale Medicine.
Most people with SPS will begin to experience symptoms between the ages of 30 and 60.
Is there a cure for stiff person syndrome?
There is no cure for SPS. When doctors treat patients with this condition, they focus on relieving symptoms with medications such as muscle relaxants and steroids.
