Celine Dion is back: Pop icon, 58, announces stage comeback amid Stiff Person Syndrome battle

Celine Dion sent fans into a frenzy on Monday as she announced her long-awaited return to the stage – amid a devastating battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.

The pop icon, 58, took to Instagram to reveal she will play a 10-night residency at the 40,000-capacity Paris La Défense Arena in September and October.

Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder which ’causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time’ – and Dion has previously detailed how it affected her signature vocals. 

Making the announcement on her birthday, she branded her comeback ‘the best gift of my life.’

She said in a video: ‘I’m so ready to do this. I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously, [and] of course, a little nervous.

‘I’m doing great, managing my health, feeling good. I’m singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing.

Celine Dion sent fans into a frenzy on Monday as she announced her long-awaited return to the stage – amid a devastating battle with Stiff Person Syndrome – pictured 2019

The pop icon, 58, took to Instagram to reveal she play a 10-night residency at the 40,000-capacity Paris La Défense Arena in September and October

‘But I have to tell you something very important: Over these last few years, every day that’s gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love.

‘I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again.”  

Dion shared a rare update with her fans on Instagram with a positive Thanksgiving message last year.

Looking happy and healthy amid her Stiff Person Syndrome battle, (SPS) Celine said she was feeling grateful for her family and reminded others to slow down and take stock. 

Speaking to the camera, she said: ‘Dear friends. Today is a beautiful reminder to slow down, take a deep breath and give thanks.

‘There’s something so powerful about gathering with the people you love, whether around the full table, over the phone or even just in your heart.

‘I’m so thankful to my family and our moments together that mean the world to me.

‘May your thanksgiving be filled with joy, with peace and with gratitude for everything. Even the little things.

She said in a video: ‘I’m so ready to do this. I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously, [and] of course, a little nervous’ 

The iconic Eiffel Tower was illuminated with Dion’s name on Monday

The City of Love celebrated Dion’s return in style

The My Heart Will Go On hitmaker first revealed in 2022 that she was suffering from SPS and cancelled her remaining tour dates at the time – pictured 2019

Making the announcement on her birthday, she branded her comeback ‘the best gift of my life’

The star looked sensational as she promoted her stage comeback

‘Happy thanksgiving, from me and my family… to you and yours.’

Adding to the caption, she wrote: ‘Wishing everyone a beautiful and peaceful Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with love, gratitude, and precious moments with the people who mean the most to you. – Celine xx…’

The Power Of Love hitmaker and mom-of-three sadly lost her husband Rene Angelil in 2016 to throat cancer. 

The My Heart Will Go On hitmaker first revealed in 2022 that she was suffering from SPS and cancelled her remaining tour dates at the time.

In a video uploaded at the time to her Instagram page, the singer had emotionally explained, ‘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: ‘I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back 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 it’s what I love to do the most,’ the mother-of-three continued. 

Last year in May, Celine – who also shared a moving message amid Eurovision’s semi-finals – gave a health update during an interview with Vogue and expressed that her ‘happiness has come back.’

She continued, ‘It has been a big burden on my shoulders, and a lot of that weight’s gone…because now I can just focus on reality. That’s wonderful.’ 

And during an appearance on Today also last year, the performer stated, ‘I believe in myself, in my bravery’ while adding that she will not let the disorder ‘control my life.’ 

‘I’m going to come onstage because I’m ready. And my vocal cords will not scare me because I’m going to be ready, and I’m going to hit those notes.’ 

Celine – whose experience with the disease was shown in her documentary I Am: Celine Dion – gave a moving performance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics as she belted out L’Hymne à L’Amour by Edith Piaf.