Celine Dion made her first public appearance since performing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, delivering an emotional speech about “hope” while presenting the Spirit of Life Award at City of Hope’s 2024 Spirit of Life Gala. The singer, 56, who was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in December 2022, praised the organization’s work in providing care and hope to those facing challenging times.
In her speech, Dion reflected on how important hope is during difficult moments, stating, “In times of tremendous challenges, it’s essential to hold onto hope and positivity.” She also referenced her July performance at the Paris Olympics, where she sang Édith Piaf’s “Hymne A L’Amour” from atop the Eiffel Tower, noting how much she misses being on stage.
Dion presented the award to Jay Marciano, CEO of AEG Presents, as part of City of Hope’s mission to conquer cancer and diabetes. For the event, she wore a black velvet dress with fishnet sleeves and styled her hair in a sleek bun.
Dion’s appearance follows her ongoing health battle with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that has caused her to postpone her Las Vegas residency due to severe muscle spasms. Despite these challenges, she continues to inspire fans with her resilience and message of hope.
