Celine Dion moved to tears during Paris comeback concert
The Titanic singer has sold out 16 nights in Paris nearly six years after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome
Celine Dion was moved to tears during her first full concert back after being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder.
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The Oscar-winning singer made her comeback to a packed Plenitude Arena, previously known as the La Défense Arena, in Paris on Saturday following her near-six year break from the stage.
The French-Canadian superstar had to step away from her Las Vegas residency in 2021 due to health issues. She then cancelled a world tour, telling her fans in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS) which has no known cure.
An emotional Dion told the crowd: "I made a promise. I made a promise to come back and to be back on stage.”
Read more: Celine Dion leaves fans heartbroken as star issues emotional message amid health battle
SPS is an autoimmune condition which causes painful severe and persistent spasms. It can lead to muscles locking up and feeling “stiff as a board” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
While it cannot be cured, the severity of symptoms can be managed with personalised treatment plans.
Dion managed to make it back to her adoring fans for 16 shows in Paris, telling those who made it to the first night: “Here I am singing for you, and singing for me.
"Thank you so very much for your support, your patience. I am everything I am because you love me.
"The path was rocky, the road was longer than planned, but I held on."
Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, praised her strength on X, saying: “It’s all coming back.
"Congratulations, @celinedion, on an incredible return to the stage after six long years.”
When Dion first announced her diagnosis in 2022 she said: “I want you all to know, I'm not giving up… and I can't wait to see you again!”
Following years of work and treatment, she is back on the stage.