Celine Dion is preparing for her "impossible" return to the spotlight with one of the biggest medical support teams ever assembled for a run of live performances. The My Heart Will Go On singer will be backed by as many as a dozen specialist nurses and paramedics during her new 26-show residency, while one of the globe's leading neurologists remains on constant standby.
Return after rare diagnosis
A minimum of two local physicians will also be present as Celine, 58, returns to performing for the first time since her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological condition, over three years ago. Television audiences worldwide watched heartbroken as she contorted in pain due to the illness in the 2024 Netflix documentary I Am: Celine Dion. A number of specialists had previously declared it would be "impossible" for her to ever take the stage again.
Paris residency details
However, the Canadian superstar will make her comeback on September 12 at La Défense Arena in Paris supported by an extensive American medical team from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The professionals are helping her manage the condition that triggers agonising muscle stiffness, restricted movement and convulsions, reports the Express.
The entire process will be overseen by her neurologist Dr Amanda Piquet, who has confirmed that her team will work with local healthcare professionals throughout the concert series which is slated to continue until May next year. Over nine million French fans entered a lottery for early access to tickets and all 26 concerts sold out within hours.
Dion's own words
Celine said: "I'm feeling good. I'm feeling strong," but added: "I'm obviously a little nervous." Before her return next month, her only performance since her diagnosis was a fleeting appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Taking a pause from rehearsals last week, she added: "I'm aware that some people are saying that I'm trying to do too much too soon, but I'm ready and nothing has been left to chance."
