Celine Dion has revealed that she will return to the stage for 10 concerts in Paris later this year.
The French-Canadian singer, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1988, said she "cannot wait" to see her fans again, calling her return the "best gift of my life" as she made the announcement on her 58th birthday.
The upcoming concerts in the French capital will mark the singer's first full-length concerts in almost six years after taking a break following her stiff person syndrome (SPS) diagnosis.
In a post shared with her 11 million followers on Instagram on Monday, the singer was sitting on the edge of a leather sofa with her legs crossed as she spoke to the camera.
Dion said: "Hi everyone.
"You know in my career, I’ve recorded a lot of birthday messages, but this is the first time I’ve ever recorded one for my own birthday.
"Wow, it’s been kind of hard keeping it a secret from myself, but I want to let you know that I’m doing great, managing my health, feeling good.
"I’m singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing - I love it so much."
The five-time Grammy winner cancelled her Las Vegas residency due to health concerns in 2021, before revealing her SPS diagnosis in December 2022 and cancelling her Courage world tour.
The autoimmune disease is a rare neurological disorder that causes progressive muscular stiffness and spasms, and there is currently no cure for the disease, according to the NHS.
After revealing her diagnosis, Dion took a break from performing until 2024, when she made a brief public appearance to sing at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
During this time, the singer repeatedly expressed her desire to return to the stage.
She continued in her Instagram post: "I have to tell you something very important.
"Over these last few years, every day that’s gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love, even in my most difficult times, you were there for me.
"You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t even describe, and I’m truly so fortunate to have your support. I’ve missed you so much.
"And that brings me back to my birthday, actually. So this year, I’m getting the best gift of my life.
"I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September this year.
"I’m so happy. I’m so ready to do this. I’m feeling good. I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously, of course, a little nervous.
"But most of all, I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again. Well, happy birthday to me. I love you all, and I’ll see you soon.
"Big kisses and goodbye for now, see you soon."
Dion's return to performing was also announced with a series of videos displayed under the lights of the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Monday night.
A screen projected on to the landmark read: "Paris, I’m ready. Celine Dion."
Dion will take the stage at Paris’s La Defense Arena in September this year for 10 concerts which will take place over almost five weeks, from 12 September 12 to October.
The singer, who is best known for hits including My Heart Will Go On, Think Twice and It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, will perform her most popular songs in both French and English during the upcoming gigs.
Tickets for Dion’s gigs will go on general sale at 10am CEST on 10 April, with a pre-sale launch on 7 April.
Source: Press Association
