Céline Dion has announced her grand return to the stage with a series of concerts in Paris.
On March 30, the music icon, who took a break from performing after publicly revealing her stiff person syndrome diagnosis, celebrated her 58th birthday by announcing that her comeback will kick off this fall.
“Hi, everyone. You know, in my career I’ve recorded a lot of birthday messages, but this is the first time I’ve ever recorded one for my own birthday,” Dion said in a video posted on Instagram.
She shared that she has been in good spirits as she manages her health. She also revealed that she has started singing and dancing again.
“But I have to tell you something very important,” she continued. “Over these last few years, every day that’s come by I’ve felt your prayers and support, with kindness and love. You were there for me. You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t even describe, and I’m truly so fortunate to have your support.”
Dion said she has been missing her fans. So, on her birthday, she wanted to give herself, and them, a special present.
“This year I’m getting the best gift of my life. I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again, in Paris, beginning in September this year,” she announced.
Dion smiled wide as she continued to speak about how excited she is to take the stage again.
I’m so ready to do this. I’m feeling good. I’m strong. I’m feeling excited. Obviously, of course, a little nervous,” she added.
At the end of her message, she told her fans, “But most of all, I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again.”
In the caption, Dion said the presale for her Paris shows begins on April 7. Fans can register for access from March 30 to April 2 at CelineDion.com.
Fans celebrated her return in the comments.
“We love you Celine! Cant wait to see you shine on stage,” one said.
Another wrote, “It’s indescribable to see you so well, Celine! Words couldn’t express how happy and excited we are to see you performing again, the one thing you worked so hard for as we know how much the stage means to you! Happiest of birthdays and cannot wait to see you on stage!”
“Sheeeeeee’s back,” a third said and included multiple heart-eye emoji. “You look so good queen.”
Dion had to step away from performing for several years after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, which is a rare and serious neurological condition. Stiff person syndrome causes muscle stiffness in the torso and limbs, thus impacting her ability to sing.
It can also lead to heightened sensitivity to noise, touch and emotional stress that set off painful muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
The condition, with features of an autoimmune disease, affects about one or two people in a million, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Although there is no cure for the condition, Yale Medicine reports that the symptoms can be controlled using medication, as well as physical occupational and aqua therapy.
Dion shared her diagnosis with her fans in 2022, and she canceled all of her upcoming concerts that were part of her world tour a few months later.
Nearly two years later, she sang for the first time since announcing her diagnosis at the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony. She performed Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour.”
Soon, she will return to the City of Light and reunite with her fans. See the list of her 10 Paris concert dates at the Paris La Défense Arena, below.
Céline Dion Paris Concerts Dates
- Saturday, September 12
- Wednesday, September 16
- Saturday, September 19
- Wednesday, September 23
- Saturday, September 26
- Wednesday, September 30
- Saturday, October 3
- Wednesday, October 7
- Saturday, October 10
- Wednesday, October 14