- French Canadian star set to appear at the Olympics Opening Ceremony tonight
- READ MORE: Celine Dion WILL sing at the 2024 Paris Olympics – in French – as the eye-watering sum she will be paid for the gig is revealed
Celine Dion will make a triumphant return to her music career in Paris tonight – two years after revealing she’d been diagnosed with the debilitating degenerative disorder known as Stiff Person Syndrome, which has derailed her career and threatens to ‘turn her into a statue’.
The singer, 56, who has a huge following in France, will perform – in French – at tonight’s opening ceremony, with millions tuning in to watch the Seine spectacle unfold as the Paris Olympics kicks off in style.
It was feared that Dion, who has three children, Rene Charles, 23, and twins Eddy and Nelson, 13, by her late husband René Angélil, might never perform again after she revealed that she had the disease, which is also known as Moersch-Woltman Syndrome.
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a degenerative condition that causes muscles to tense and spasm uncontrollably. Ultimately, it leaves sufferers resembling ‘human statues as it progressively locks the body, leaving people unable to walk or talk.
![She's back! Celine wowed fans in Paris this week as she waved from her car after arriving back at her hotel following rehearsals for her rumoured appearance at tonight's Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/10/87793319-13675477-She_wore_a_navy_Dior_jumper_and_trousers_that_she_paired_with_wh-a-4_1721987712669.jpg)
She’s back! Celine wowed fans in Paris this week as she waved from her car after arriving back at her hotel following rehearsals for her rumoured appearance at tonight’s Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris
![Celine looked in great spirits as she larked around with fans](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/10/87793327-13675477-Celine_looked_in_great_spirits_as_she_larked_around_with_fans-a-3_1721987708334.jpg)
![She was all smiles on the outing](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/10/87793323-13675477-She_was_all_smiles_on_the_outing-a-2_1721987708299.jpg)
The 56-year-old, who shocked the world when she revealed she had been diagnosed with ‘Stiff Person Syndrome’ in 2022, looked in great spirits as she interacted with fans in Paris on Thursday ahead of her big come back on Friday night
However, fans in Paris were thrilled this week to spot Dion returning to her hotel after late night rehearsals ahead of her appearance in the City of Lights tonight.
The singer will be the star attraction for many at the Opening Ceremony, which will see athletes and performers sail 6km down the Seine.
And she certainly looked in high spirits as she interacted with fans in Paris last night, appearing full of energy as she played air guitar and waved at the crowds while leaving her hotel.
Dressed in a navy Dior jumper and trousers that she paired with white trainers and sunglasses, Dion blew kisses at fans before ducking into her car.
![One of the singer's final performances in London at Hyde Park's British Summer Time in July 2019; fans had no idea of the health announcement Celine would make in 2022](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/05/11/80865453-13046313-image-a-14_1707133687066.jpg)
One of the singer’s final performances in London at Hyde Park’s British Summer Time in July 2019; fans had no idea of the health announcement Celine would make in 2022
![The star remains one of the world's most successful female artists thanks to hits including 'My Heart Will Go On', 'Think Twice' and 'Because you Loved Me'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/87800777-13675477-image-a-6_1721988217986.jpg)
The star remains one of the world’s most successful female artists thanks to hits including ‘My Heart Will Go On’, ‘Think Twice’ and ‘Because you Loved Me’
![The Montreal-born singer revealed in an emotional video message posted on Instagram in 2022 that she has been diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition known as 'stiff person syndrome' - and has been largely out of the spotlight since](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/80865455-13675477-The_Montreal_born_singer_revealed_in_an_emotional_video_message_-m-7_1721988357506.jpg)
The Montreal-born singer revealed in an emotional video message posted on Instagram in 2022 that she has been diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition known as ‘stiff person syndrome’ – and has been largely out of the spotlight since
It was reported earlier this week by TMZ that Dion has cut a blockbuster comeback deal with the Olympics – which will see her paid a staggering $2 million for one show.
Dion’s total bill is reported to be in excess of $4 million, as the Olympics is also said to be footing the bill for private jets, hotel suites, security, and healthcare professionals to help deal with her ailing health.
The 56-year-old French-Canadian chanteuse hasn’t performed live since March 2020, with one of her final performances being at British Summer Time Hyde Park concert in London in July 2019.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/71445443-13675477-image-a-10_1721988390635.jpg)
![Decades-long battle: Celine Dion told interviewer Hoda Kotb on the Today Show in June that she has secretly battled Stiff Person Syndrome for 17 years before revealing it to the public](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/87800631-13675477-image-a-8_1721988364377.jpg)
Decades-long battle: Celine Dion told interviewer Hoda Kotb on the Today Show in June that she has secretly battled Stiff Person Syndrome for 17 years before revealing it to the public
![In her Amazon Prime documentary: I Am: Céline Dion, which revealed the superstar's daily life as she lives with the condition's debilitating effects, she was shown suffering from an agonising ten-minute 'crisis seizure'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/10/86543297-13675477-The_Canadian_icon_s_performance_at_the_Olympics_will_be_her_firs-a-5_1721987731533.jpg)
In her Amazon Prime documentary: I Am: Céline Dion, which revealed the superstar’s daily life as she lives with the condition’s debilitating effects, she was shown suffering from an agonising ten-minute ‘crisis seizure’
![The distressing clip from the film, released in June this year, sees Dion needing assistance as her body starts to spasm](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/86543283-13675477-A_distressing_clip_from_the_film_finds_Dion_needing_assistance_a-a-9_1721988381878.jpg)
The distressing clip from the film, released in June this year, sees Dion needing assistance as her body starts to spasm
The Montreal-born singer, who is lauded for her sensational vocals as she belts out the ballads, announced in 2022 she was suffering from the degenerative disorder, after speculation about her health mounted following concert postponements.
Speaking in an emotional video message to her fans, she revealed she had been struggling with her health for a long time, but had finally been given a diagnosis of the neurological condition which affects one in a million people.
The horrific diagnosis marked yet more heartbreak for the Taking Chances singer, who had been widowed eight years earlier after her husband of 22 years René Angélil, with whom she shares three sons, died of throat cancer in 2016. Two days later, her brother Daniel Dion died.
![Back to public life: In November, Celine made her first public appearance for nearly three years as she attended an ice hockey game with her three sons Rene-Charles, 23, and twins Eddy and Nelson, 13](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/05/11/80865457-13046313-image-a-17_1707133725244.jpg)
Back to public life: In November, Celine made her first public appearance for nearly three years as she attended an ice hockey game with her three sons Rene-Charles, 23, and twins Eddy and Nelson, 13
![And in January, she appeared at the Grammys, delighting fans. The star presented Taylor Swift with the Album of the Year Award, following several years out of the spotlight](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/05/11/80865461-13046313-image-a-11_1707133569047.jpg)
And in January, she appeared at the Grammys, delighting fans. The star presented Taylor Swift with the Album of the Year Award, following several years out of the spotlight
![The star was visibly emotional as she walked onstage with the support of son Rene-Charles, 23](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/80853839-13675477-The_star_was_visibly_emotional_as_she_walked_onstage_with_the_su-a-11_1721988404309.jpg)
The star was visibly emotional as she walked onstage with the support of son Rene-Charles, 23
![The warm reception left her in tears, and six months on, she's about to step back into the limelight in Paris for the Olympics Opening Ceremony](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/80853813-13675477-Dion_made_a_shock_appearance_at_the_2024_Grammys_amid_her_battle-m-15_1721988422819.jpg)
![At the Grammys, the star was seen happily posing with Taylor - despite the singer apparently blanking her as she accepted her award](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/80854407-13675477-The_star_was_seen_happily_posing_with_Taylor_despite_the_singer_-a-14_1721988411929.jpg)
The warm reception left her in tears, and six months on, she’s about to step back into the limelight in Paris for the Olympics Opening Ceremony
In the video, posted on Instagram in December 2022, she said: ‘While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the [muscle] spasms I’ve been having.’
Currently, there is no cure for SPS, but there are steps that can be taken to slow down symptoms – something Celine revealed she is exploring.
As she explained her diagnosis to her followers, Celine said: ‘Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.’
She added she would not be able to restart her European tour the following February due to her symptoms.
![Dion cancelled her world tour the following year as she continues to battle with the neurological disorder](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/69795573-13675477-Dion_cancelled_her_world_tour_the_following_year_as_she_continue-a-16_1721988462398.jpg)
Dion cancelled her world tour the following year as she continues to battle with the neurological disorder
![Dion and René married at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica on December 17, 1994 (pictured)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/86552145-13675477-Dion_and_Ren_married_at_Montreal_s_Notre_Dame_Basilica_on_Decemb-a-17_1721988474861.jpg)
Dion and René married at Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica on December 17, 1994 (pictured)
![The singer's diagnosis was yet more heartbreak after her husband of 22 years Rene Angelil (pictured) died of throat cancer in 2016](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/05/11/80865675-13046313-image-a-18_1707133932062.jpg)
The singer’s diagnosis was yet more heartbreak after her husband of 22 years Rene Angelil (pictured) died of throat cancer in 2016
!['At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It's important to listen to it,' Claudette said of her sister; the pair seen here in 1995](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/26/11/73944841-13675477-_At_one_point_your_heart_and_your_body_are_trying_to_tell_you_so-a-18_1721988485549.jpg)
‘At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It’s important to listen to it,’ Claudette said of her sister; the pair seen here in 1995
‘Ihave a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me help,’ she continued.
‘I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build bac my strength and my ability to perform again but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.
‘All I know is singing; it’s what I’ve done all my life and its what I love to do the most.
‘I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you.
‘I always give 100 percent when I do my show but my condition is now allowing me to give you that right now.
‘For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment, and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery.
‘This is my focus, and I’m doing everything I can to recuperate.
‘I want to thank you so much for your wishes and love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me.
‘Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon.’
Her candid video came after months of worried speculation from fans after she cancelled North American dates of her Courage world tour at the beginning of 2022.
Three months before she revealed her diagnosis, she cancelled her Las Vegas comeback residency over the same health issue.
Since she shared her health battle with her fans, Celine has kept a low profile. However sources have previously revealed the ups and downs she has experienced as she undergoes treatment for SPS.
Last December, a source told US Weekly: ‘She doesn’t have as much control over her muscles as she did before, but she’s working with doctors and physical therapists to get better.’
They added: ‘Celine has been taking time to focus on her health but plans to take the stage again once she is given the go-ahead by her medical team.’
However the Montreal-born singer’s sister Claudette revealed that same month that the singer no longer has ‘control over her muscles’.
Speaking to French publication 7 Jours, she said: ‘She’s working hard, but she doesn’t have control over her muscles. What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined.
‘She’s always worked hard. Our mother always told her, ‘You’re going to do it well, you’re going to do it properly.’
She continued: ‘It’s true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know.’
Speaking about her sister’s ability to sing, Claudette noted that SPS is a condition which affects muscles – and the vocal cords are muscles.
The 74-year-old added she feels frustrated that there is no cure for her sister’s condition because it’s so rare – meaning less research has been conducted about it.
A few months earlier, Claudette told Le Journal de Montreal that Celine was working with ‘the top researchers in the world’ – but had still seen little improvement in her health.
She said: ‘We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important.’
After battling her illness behind the scenes, Celine made her first public appearance in nearly three years last November when she attended an ice hockey game with her three sons Rene-Charles, 23, and twins Eddy and Nelson, 13.
In footage posted online, Celine looked to be in great spirits as she greeted players and fans in the locker rooms after the match.
‘It’s such an honor to meet you,’ Celine told coach Martin St. Louis in French in another video. ‘It was an incredible night.’
She was also heard giving advice to the hockey players, saying, ‘Just stay healthy, strong. Do what you do best.’
A week later, she was spotted out in LA at a Katy Perry concert where she was sat in the VIP section just behind two very famous faces – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
She appeared once again to be sitting with Rene-Charles in the VIP box, suggesting he is a strong support to his mother.
Celine and her three sons have no doubt been a strong support system for each other since the death of her husband and the boys’ father René in 2016.
The music mogul, who had been her manager throughout her career, died in January of that year after a throat cancer diagnosis. Tragically, Celine’s brother Daniel passed away just two days later from a brain tumour.
In September 2019, she said on Today that she wasn’t ready to meet anyone new after losing her husband to throat cancer.
‘I don’t date. I’m not ready to date,’ she admitted. ‘I’m very lucky and happy to have so many people in my surrounding to make me — they make me laugh.’
As she appeared onstage at the Grammys last night to present Taylor Swift with her history-making fourth Album of the Year Award, she delighted fans who were thrilled to have a glimpse of their favourite star.
She arrived on stage with the help of Rene-Charles to present the award – leaving fans overwhelmed with emotion.
Taking to X/Twitter, people praised her resilience and bravery, expressing their joy that she was back on their screens.
One person wrote: ‘Celine Dion got the whole room in tears right now. This legend, this queen. My goodness.’