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 realized 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 an attractive 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 identified with stiff individual syndrome in December 2022. The uncommon autoimmune neurological dysfunction—there are fewer than 5,000 folks dwelling with it within the US, in keeping with the Genetic and Uncommon Illness Data 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 might 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 deal with her well being. “I’ve to confess it’s been a battle,” she mentioned within the video. “All I do know is singing. It’s what I’ve carried out all my life. It’s what I like to do essentially the most.”

Dion mentioned she had been coping with issues along 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, typically 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 individual syndrome can generate sufficient pressure 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 shocking that the spasms could make singing tough, too. “It’s like anyone is strangling you. It’s like anyone is making an attempt to push your larynx this fashion,” Dion mentioned on the At this time present, whereas pushing in opposition to her neck along with her hand. “It will get right into a spasm.”

In April, Dion advised Vogue France she’s studying to stay with the dysfunction by present process athletic, bodily, and vocal remedy 5 days every 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 laborious, or I swap off and it’s over, I keep at residence, 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 wish to be one of the best I might 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 can by no means cease, and that’s the desire. It’s the eagerness. It’s the dream. It’s the willpower,” she mentioned.

To Vogue France, Dion shared that her purpose 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 carrying a beaded white robe with tassels. Dion’s return was a riveting near a formidable show of French artwork, tradition, historical past and neighborhood on the opening ceremony. From Woman 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 seemingly foreshadows extra stirring performances to come back within the subsequent couple of weeks.

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