Shortly after Celine Dion stunned the world with her rendition of the popular French love song “L’Hymne à l’amour” from the Eiffel Tower during the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, the singer shared a message showing her love for Paris and the athletes set to compete at the 2024 Olympics.
“I am honored to have performed tonight at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony and so happy to be back in one of my favorite cities!” Dion posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of herself making a heart shape with her hands.
Then, while Friday’s performance was a big moment for her and her recovery from stiff-person syndrome, which had kept her off stage since 2020, Dion focused her message on delivering an encouraging message to Olympic athletes as they embark on achieving their Olympic dreams.
“I am most happy to celebrate these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance,” Dion wrote. “You have all been so focused on your dream, and whether you medal or not, I hope being here means your dream 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!”
The message was signed “Celine, xx.”
Dion suffers from Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and potentially disabling muscle spasms. The condition has caused her to stop performing since 2020.
In her recent documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” the singer explained how her return to the stage motivated her to get better and improve despite her diagnosis.
“I look at my life and I love every part of it,” Dion said at the time, describing her life through a metaphor. “When a girl loves her shoes, she always makes them fit — six to ten — I love them. Give them to me. Here we go.”
The rider was draped in the Olympic flag.
NBC Chicago
