Celine Dion made a rare public appearance amid her ongoing stiff person syndrome battle at the New York premiere of the Amazon MGM Studios documentary, I Am: Celine - and promised fans she would return to the stage.
The five-time Grammy award winner was diagnosed with the autoimmune and neurological disorder in 2022 which leads to rigidness and spasms in the torso and limbs of the person diagnosed.
The My Heart Will Go On singer has been vocal about her diagnosis and the struggles she has faced with her recovery - of which there is no current cure - and has cherished the support of her fans.
She previously posted an image along with her three sons on Instagram and said: "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.
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you! I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world who have been affected by SPS.
“I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!” she signed off. (sic)
Celine recently appeared at a screening for her documentary I Am: Celine
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The 56-year-old has once again promised her fans that she will be returning to the stage and during a brief speech at the documentary screening, provided an update as she said: "I hope to see you all again very, very soon."
Dion made her first public appearance in three years last October and told Today's Hoda Kotb how she was ambitious to return to the stage, even "if I have to talk with my hands".
She added: "I’m gonna go back onstage, even if I have to crawl…Even if I have to talk with my hands. I will. I will. I am Céline Dion. Because today, my voice will be heard for the first time, not just because I have to, or because I need to.”
Her 10-minute speech showed how emotional she was, as she explained: "This is by far the biggest crowd I’ve had in a few years. This movie is a love letter to each of you."
The documentary looks at her staggering career which she recently had to put on hold
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During the early stages of her diagnosis, the Titanic hitmaker was forced to postpone some of her performances and eventually led her to cancelling her 2024 Courage World Tour due to health issues.
At the time of announcing the news, she explained: “I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 per cent.
“It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything until I’m really ready to be back on stage again.”
The trailer for the new documentary - I Am: Celine - will delve into Dion's health battle in the two years since her diagnosis and how it led to the heartbreaking decision to put music on the back burner.
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She’s ready now. I Am: Celine Dion, a new documentary, premieres on Prime Video June 25. pic.twitter.com/5exkQ5eKDN
— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) May 23, 2024
The trailer opened with throwback clips of the Canadian singer on stage while her narration reflected on the importance music has on her.
"My voice is the conductor of my life. When your voice brings you joy, you're the best of yourself. I need my instrument," she began.
