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Celine Dion is Back
But did you know
Celine Dion made her first comeback performance since bravely announcing to the world her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Amidst the City of Lights, and a glistening Eifel Tower, Celine delivered a deeply emotional rendition of “Hymne a l’amour. It was perfection!
She poured out her heart, caressing the hearts and souls of millions of people across the globe. Her fans waited with anticipation as Celine hit every note with strength, power, and glory. She was the talk of the town and one of the highlights of the opening ceremony. Celine was back, and everyone knew it.
Stiff Person Syndrome is an uncommon neurological disease causing spasms, pain, and deformities in posture. Its cause is unknown, and it leads to increased stiffness and rigidity. In her documentary I Am: Celine Dion, she talks about the regular use of Valium to ease her symptoms. Unbeknownst to many, including her doctor, Celine had been battling these symptoms for seventeen years prior to her diagnosis. Her vocal cords would spasm and her voice uncontrollably go up in pitch.
Dion would claim ear or sinus infections when cancelling a concert or when unable to reach a note, would point the microphone at her audience. When the lie became too much, she admitted the truth.
Dion has had to relearn how to sing, strengthening and stretching her vocal cords daily, and made a triumphant return to the world stage for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
My voice was the conductor.
Says Celine Dion, and without it she was lost.
Her millions of devoted fans rallied around her and cried as they watched her heartbreaking and courageous struggle. But in familiar Celine style her unique sense of humor shone through.
At one particularly low point Celine apparently told her fans that she had no more shiny apples to give. One fan wrote back that they don’t care about the apples, only the tree.
Celine has been through a lot as have many! She sings a beautiful song about recovering.
Celine is back and her candid story about her struggles has helped millions with there own.
Thank you, Celine!
Janice Tovey 2024
