Grammy-winning Canadian singer Celine Dion celebrated her first performance in four years at the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris, France, on Friday.
The 56-year-old singer, who has been battling stiff-person syndrome, performed “Hymne à l’amour” by Édith Piaf from the base of the Eiffel Tower, creating an instantly iconic moment.
Dion, who has not performed publicly since 2020, released a statement expressing her joy at performing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I’m honored to have performed tonight for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!” she said. “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance. All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!” she wrote.
This marks Dion’s second performance at the Olympic Games, her first being at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.
According to TMZ, Dion was paid for her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Celine Dion had previously vowed that she wouldn’t let her battle with stiff-person syndrome stop her from performing again. In an interview with Hoda Kotb on the Today Show, she promised to resume live performances, even if she had to crawl to the stage and talk with her hands.
