Celine Dion announces Paris comeback concerts amid stiff-person syndrome battle
After an emotional return to the stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Celine Dion has announced she will return to the City of Light for a series of comeback concerts this fall.
The singer announced in a press release Monday that she will perform a residency-style run of shows at Paris La Défense Arena beginning Sept. 12, marking her first full concerts in years as she continues to manage stiff-person syndrome.
The concerts were teased in March through a poster campaign across Paris featuring the titles of some of Dion's most famous songs, including "Pour que tu m'aimes encore" and "Power of Love," before the shows were officially confirmed.
Dion will perform multiple shows per week throughout September and October at the 40,000-seat venue, which has previously hosted major acts such as Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones and Kendrick Lamar.
The 10-show concert series is currently scheduled to conclude Wednesday, Oct. 14, according to a press release.
In a statement included in Monday's press release, Dion said, "Over the last few years, every day that's gone by, I've felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love. You've helped me in ways that I can't even describe, and I'm truly fortunate to have your support."
"This year, I'm getting the best birthday gift of my life…I'm getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September!" she continued. "I'm feeling good, I'm strong, I'm feeling excited, obviously a little nervous, but most of all, I'm grateful to all of YOU! I love you all and I'll see you soon!"
ABC News reached out to Dion's representative for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
The Paris shows mark a long-awaited return to the venue for Dion, who was originally scheduled to bring her Courage World Tour there in 2020. Those dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later canceled following Dion's 2022 diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that includes rigidity and stiffness of certain areas of the body, causing unsteadiness, slower movements and difficulties walking.
The diagnosis forced her to cancel multiple subsequent tour dates across North America, Europe and the U.K.
Dion's health journey was documented in the 2024 film "I Am: Celine Dion," where the singer spoke candidly about how much performing means to her.
"When you record, it sounds great. But when you go on stage, it will be greater. I think we did create our own magic," she said in the film.
She also reflected on the emotional toll of canceling shows due to her health.
"It's not hard to do a show, you know. It's hard to cancel a show," Dion said, adding that while her condition had kept her off the stage, she had no plans to give up.
"I'm working hard every day, but I have to admit: It's been a struggle. I miss it so much. The people, I miss them," she said at the time. "If I can't run, I'll walk. If I can't walk, I'll crawl. And I won't stop. I won't stop."
