Celine Dion delivered her first performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony, since publicly revealing in 2022 her battle with Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle spasms and stiffness.

The 56-year-old Canadian singer and global superstar delivered a powerful rendition of Edith Piaf's classic "L'Hymne à l'Amour," showcasing her famous high notes despite her serious health condition.

In a Vogue France interview in April 2024 she says, “I have this illness for some unknown reason. The way I see it, I have two choices. Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself. I've chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again.”

“So that's me, now with Stiff Person Syndrome. Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy. I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice... I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself. At the beginning I would ask myself: why me? How did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault??”

According to Yale Medicine, “The main symptoms of Stiff-Person Syndrome are muscle stiffening in the torso and limbs, along with episodes of violent muscle spasms. The cause of this extremely rare disease is still unknown. But researchers suspect that it may be the result of an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks nerve cells in the central nervous system that control muscle movement.”

After her performance, Dion shared an Instagram post saying, “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities! Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance. All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!”

Celine Dion's new documentary "I Am: Celine Dion" is currently available for streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor, the documentary offers an exclusive glimpse into the life of the celebrated Canadian superstar.

In the documentary, Celine Dion candidly shares her experience of being diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome and reflects on its impact on her life in recent years.