Celine Dion made a rare and emotional appearance in New York City on Monday night, leaving fans and attendees deeply moved. The occasion was the premiere of her new documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” which delves into her battle with stiff person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder. The event, held at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, saw Dion receiving a standing ovation from the largest crowd she has seen in years.
The documentary, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor, offers an intimate look at Dion’s life as she navigates her SPS diagnosis. The condition, which causes severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, has significantly impacted her ability to perform. Dion revealed her diagnosis in December 2022, which led to the cancellation of her Courage World Tour and her Las Vegas residency.
On stage, Dion expressed her gratitude to her fans, saying, “I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have my fans in my life.” She became visibly emotional, wiping away tears as she spoke. “Thank you to all of you for being part of my journey. This movie is my love letter to each of you. I hope to see you all again very, very soon.”
Dion also shared how the support from her fans has been a “gift beyond measure.” She added, “Your never-ending love and support over all these years have delivered me to this moment.” The singer, known for hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” compared herself to an apple tree, saying she didn’t want her fans to wait for “shiny apples” anymore. She recounted a message from a fan that said, “We’re not here for the apples, we’re here for the tree.”
The 56-year-old singer was joined by her eldest son, René-Charles Angélil, who brought her a tissue during her speech. She also thanked her other children, twins Eddy and Nelson, who were waiting offstage. “I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have my family in my life,” she said, pausing as she was overcome with emotion.
Dion also took a moment to acknowledge her neurologist, Dr. Amanda Piquet, and the documentary’s director, Irene Taylor. “You’ve not only made this film with such feeling and tenderness, but you also became a dear friend in this whole crazy process,” she said.
The documentary, set to air on Prime Video on June 25, provides a raw and honest look at Dion’s life with SPS. It includes new and archival footage, showing how the condition has affected her vocal capabilities. The film captures Dion’s resilience and humor as she revisits her memorabilia and reflects on her career. However, it also shows the harsh reality of her condition, particularly in the final 15 minutes, which are both shocking and heartbreaking.
Throughout the screening, Dion received multiple standing ovations. She waved, saluted, and blew kisses to the audience, many of whom were visibly emotional. “Thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart for being part of my journey,” she said before leaving the stage. “This movie is my love letter to each of you. I hope to see you all again very soon.”
The documentary aims to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Dion’s struggle with SPS and her journey to manage the condition with physical therapy and medication. It also highlights the music that has guided her life and showcases the resilience of the human spirit.
Dion’s appearance at the premiere was her first major public outing since her diagnosis. In February, she made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she presented the award for Album of the Year. The crowd gave her a standing ovation, and Dion expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you all, I love you right back. When I say that I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart.”
Despite her health challenges, Dion remains hopeful about the future. Speaking to Vogue France, she said, “I can’t answer when I’ll perform again. My body will tell me. On the other hand, I don’t just want to wait.”
“I Am: Celine Dion” premieres on Prime Video on June 25, offering fans a heartfelt and inspiring look at the singer’s life and her battle with SPS.
