This live performance marks Dion’s first concert appearance since she disclosed her battle with stiff person syndrome. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, this condition is “a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.”
Dion, 56, had announced in December 2022 that she was stepping back from professional commitments to focus on her health. She explained that the condition prevented her from singing as she was accustomed to.
Before this, Dion’s last live performance was in March 2020 in New Jersey. The opening of the Olympics also featured a stellar performance by Lady Gaga, who performed Mon truc en plume by Zizi Jeanmaire along the Seine river, paying homage to France’s leading lady of Music Hall performances in the 1950s.
Last month, Dion opened up about the challenges she faces living with stiff person syndrome while promoting her new documentary ‘I Am: Celine Dion’ on Amazon.
In an interview with NBC’s Hoda Kotb, she described how trying to sing with her condition feels “like somebody is strangling you.” She elaborated on the impact of the syndrome, which causes involuntary spasms and muscle rigidity, affecting various parts of her body, including her abdomen, spine, and ribs.
“I have broken ribs at one point because sometimes when it’s very severe, it can break some ribs as well,” the Grammy-winner shared. Despite these challenges, Dion has not allowed her diagnosis to completely sideline her. She made a notable appearance at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, presenting the final trophy of the evening.
In her documentary, Dion expressed her unwavering determination to return to performing. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl,” she said. “And I won’t stop. I won’t stop.”
Her return at the Olympics not only marked a significant moment in her career but also showcased her resilience and dedication to her craft, inspiring fans and fellow performers alike.
