Celine Dion made a powerful return to the stage by performing at the Olympic Games, marking her first live performance in years. The iconic Canadian singer chose to sing a French classic from atop the Eiffel Tower, creating an unforgettable moment during the ceremony.

Dion delivered a breathtaking rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à L'Amour,” turning Paris’ most famous landmark into the backdrop for a moving performance. This timeless song has now seen a resurgence, climbing back onto the World Digital Song Sales chart due to increased purchases linked to the Olympics.

This performance was especially poignant, as it marked Dion’s return to the spotlight amid her ongoing battle with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS). The Grammy-winning artist, who revealed her diagnosis in 2022, provided an update on her health, sharing, "The disease is still with me, and it will always be a part of my life."

Despite her condition, Dion remained active on stage for years, completing her Las Vegas residency and additional tours. However, behind the scenes, she struggled with severe muscle stiffness, which eventually made it difficult for her to walk unassisted. Even as her symptoms worsened, Dion tried to keep them hidden, particularly during her late husband René Angélil’s fight against throat cancer starting in 2014.

As her illness progressed, it increasingly impacted her ability to sing and perform daily tasks. “It’s like being suffocated,” Dion revealed, sharing that she had experienced broken ribs from spasms and periods of complete immobilisation in her hands and feet.

Determined to continue performing, Dion was prescribed muscle relaxants, including Valium. What began as a 2-milligram dose escalated to 90 milligrams—a dangerously high amount—just to get through her concerts. “I didn’t question it because I trusted the doctors. I thought it would be fine,” she explained. “It worked for a while, but eventually, it didn’t help anymore.”
In October 2021, Dion postponed 21 shows and delayed the opening of her new Las Vegas residency due to severe muscle spasms. By January 2022, she had to cancel the remainder of her North American tour.

"I hope that medical research will eventually find a cure, but for now, I have to learn to live with this," she said. "I undergo physical and vocal therapy five days a week. I’m working on everything—my toes, knees, calves, fingers, voice—learning to live with this condition and stop doubting myself."

Dion expressed her gratitude for the love and support she has received from her family, children, fans, and team, which has been instrumental in her battle against SPS, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder. "Not everyone with SPS has access to good doctors and treatments, and I’m fortunate to have those resources. That’s a blessing, and I also have an inner strength that keeps me going. Nothing is going to stop me."

When asked if she plans to return to the stage after her emotional Olympic performance, Dion was uncertain. "I can’t say for sure," she admitted. "I’ve told myself I’m ready, then I’m not ready. Right now, I can’t promise anything. My body will let me know."

"But I don’t want to just sit around waiting," she continued. "It’s tough to live day by day like this. It’s hard, and I’m working incredibly hard. But tomorrow is another day, and what keeps me going is my passion, my dreams, my determination."

Looking forward, Dion remains optimistic about the future and is focused on living "one day at a time." "My dream is to embrace the present," she said. "I’m truly fortunate. And I’m honoured to have opened the Paris Summer Olympics 2024. Although I was healthier and more beautiful at 30, I wasn’t asked then. At 55, and with SPS, I’m proud to still be receiving once-in-a-lifetime opportunities."