Celine Dion Tears Up While Thanking Fans for Supporting Her Through Her Health Journey
Celine Dion made an emotional return to the stage Monday night in New York City, but not to perform—instead, she introduced the upcoming documentary I Am: Celine Dion. Following her surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, this marks a rare public engagement from the music icon, who has been out of the spotlight in recent years following her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome (SPS). The upcoming doc shows an unfiltered look at her experiences and ongoing recovery from the rare neurological disease, and how it has kept her from her passion for music.
“This is by far the biggest crowd I’ve had in a few years,” Dion said after being greeted with a standing ovation in Alice Tully Hall. “I’m so proud to be here tonight to share this film with you.”
She took a moment to shout out the “incredible talent” of Irene Taylor, who directed the documentary. “You’ve not only made this film with such feeling, and tenderness, but also you became, if I may say, a dear friend in this whole crazy process. I’m so thankful for your dedication, your passion, and your vision in telling my story, as hard as it may have been at times.”
Dion’s neurologist, Dr. Amanda Piqué, was also in the audience. The singer credited her with solving “this mystery about my health,” which prompted a round of applause to honor her work.
That night, Dion also pledged $2 million to the Celine Dion Foundation Endowed Chair in Autoimmune Neurology at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Piqué, director of the Autoimmune Neurology Program at the university, will serve as the inaugural chairholder. “She has replaced my fear with hope,” Dion said.
“I wouldn’t be here without the daily love and support from my wonderful children,” she continued, spotlighting her sons, René-Charles, who stood by her on stage, Nelson, and Eddie.
“And thanks to you, my fans. Your presence in my journey has been a gift beyond measure. Your never-ending love and support over all these years have delivered me to this moment tonight,” she said.
“I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have my fans in my life,” she later added, wiping away tears. René-Charles stepped in to hand her a handkerchief. “Thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart 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.”
I Am: Celine Dion begins streaming on Prime Video on June 25.
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