Celine Dion has arrived in Paris for a major stage comeback: her first full run of shows since revealing her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis.
The singer, 58, arrived in the French capital on Friday, local time, to begin rehearsals for a 16-show residency.
Celine Dion has arrived in Paris ahead of a major return to the stage. AP
Fans gathered outside the Royal Monceau hotel on Avenue Hoche to welcome Dion, who is due to perform three concerts a week between September 12 and October 17.
Each show is expected to draw more than 30,000 people, and tickets sold-out months in advance. Another 10 performances are planned for May 2027.
On Friday, Dion stopped to speak to the crowd outside her hotel, thanking fans for standing by her during years of serious health problems.
“I have always felt supported from day one, and this is a story that continues. It really is my second home, I appreciate you being here, thank you so much,” she told BFM TV.
The Paris residency marks a major comeback for Dion, who has largely stayed offstage since revealing her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis.
Each show is expected to draw more than 30,000 people, and tickets sold out months in advance. Instagram/@celinedion
Aside from her performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in 2024, she has not performed in France for years. Her last concert series in the country was in 2017.
Her latest return follows years of uncertainty over her ability to perform after stiff-person syndrome affected her mobility and singing.
The rare neurological condition can cause severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, with symptoms that can become progressively debilitating.
People with the condition can also experience chronic pain, falls and reduced mobility.
Dion has previously spoken candidly about the toll the condition has taken on her life and career, including in her 2024 documentary I Am: Celine Dion.
She revealed her diagnosis publicly in 2022 after cancelling and postponing performances. YouTube
She revealed her diagnosis publicly in 2022 after cancelling and postponing performances.
Dion has sold about 140 million albums worldwide during her career and is the best-selling Canadian recording artist and best-selling French-language artist of all time.