Celine Dion is set to make a grand return to the stage at the Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26. This performance will be her first since being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in 2022.
The French-Canadian superstar had paused her touring schedule due to this rare condition, which is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by stiffness and muscle spasms, often triggered by loud noises or emotional stress. According to the National Institutes of Health, these symptoms can be quite challenging to manage.
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Dion recently arrived in Paris in preparation for the start of the Summer Games. She is scheduled to perform during an 85-boat parade along the Seine River, culminating near the Trocadero with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop. Variety reports that she will perform one song and is being paid $2 million for her appearance. The Games are also covering her travel and accommodations at the luxury Le Royal Monceau hotel near the Champs-Elysees.
Other performers rumored to be part of the event include Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa. Dion, now 56, has expressed her determination to return to the stage despite the challenges posed by her condition. Earlier this year, she shared on social media her commitment to overcoming this autoimmune disorder and her hope to resume her Las Vegas residency.
“Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible,” Dion wrote in March. “I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team, and all of you!”
Her battle with the illness was also highlighted in the recent documentary “I Am: Celine Dion.” This upcoming performance at the Olympics will be a significant moment, as she previously performed “The Power Of The Dream” at the Opening Ceremony for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
