From the start, the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony was touted to be one for the historical past books, swapping an open-air boat parade down the Seine instead of conventional stadium fare for the primary time. And, as viewers discovered as they watched the occasion unfold, for one more purpose, too: The opening ceremony marked a extremely anticipated return to stage for five-time Grammy winner Céline Dion.

Singing from the primary stage of the glittering Eiffel Tower, Dion belted a lovely rendition of “Hymne à l’amour” by Edith Piaf to shut out the ceremony. It was the primary time the singer carried out since being recognized with stiff particular person syndrome in December 2022. The uncommon autoimmune neurological dysfunction—there are fewer than 5,000 folks dwelling with it within the US, based on the Genetic and Uncommon Illness Info Middle (GARD)—mostly causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that may worsen over time. There’s no treatment for the progressive dysfunction, however medicines and different therapies will help handle it.

In an emotional Instagram video two and a half years in the past, Dion shared her analysis and introduced she would postpone her 2023 tour to give attention to her well being. “I’ve to confess it’s been a wrestle,” she mentioned within the video. “All I do know is singing. It’s what I’ve finished all my life. It’s what I like to do probably the most.”

Dion mentioned she had been coping with issues together with her well being for a “very long time” earlier than sharing her analysis. And the consequences she’d been experiencing have been far-reaching. “Sadly, these spasms have an effect on each facet of my day by day life, generally inflicting difficulties after I stroll and never permitting me to make use of my vocal cords to sing the way in which I’m used to,” she mentioned.

Some spasms with stiff particular person syndrome can generate sufficient drive to fracture bone; in actual fact, in an interview with Hoda Kotb on the At this time present simply two months in the past, Dion mentioned one was so extreme that it broke her rib.

So it’s not stunning that the spasms could make singing troublesome, too. “It’s like someone is strangling you. It’s like someone is making an attempt to push your larynx this manner,” Dion mentioned on the At this time present, whereas pushing in opposition to her neck together with her hand. “It will get right into a spasm.”

In April, Dion instructed Vogue France she’s studying to reside with the dysfunction by present process athletic, bodily, and vocal remedy 5 days per week to assist handle the signs. “The way in which I see it, I’ve two selections. Both I prepare like an athlete and work tremendous arduous, or I swap off and it’s over, I keep at dwelling, hearken to my songs, stand in entrance of my mirror and sing to myself,” she mentioned. “I’ve chosen to work with all my physique and soul, from head to toe, with a medical staff. I need to be the perfect I will be.”

On the time, Dion wouldn’t touch upon whether or not she would (or may) return to the stage, however she was adamant about her resolve to maintain making an attempt. “There’s one factor that may by no means cease, and that’s the desire. It’s the fervour. It’s the dream. It’s the dedication,” she mentioned.

To Vogue France, Dion shared that her objective was “to see the Eiffel Tower once more,” and he or she did that and extra on the Olympics opening ceremony, commanding the primary stage of the historic landmark whereas sporting a beaded white robe with tassels. Dion’s return was a riveting near a powerful show of French artwork, tradition, historical past and group on the opening ceremony. From Girl Gaga’s rendition of “Mon truc en plume” alongside the Seine to a lavish mild present on the Eiffel Tower, the kick-off to the Paris Video games didn’t disappoint. So yep, the opening ceremony began off on an inspiring observe, which doubtless foreshadows extra stirring performances to return within the subsequent couple of weeks.

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