In a surprising turn of events, Céline Dion made her first public appearance in over three years, stunning fans by singing a few notes at a recent hockey game. Despite revealing her debilitating stiff-person syndrome diagnosis last year, the 55-year-old “Because You Loved Me” singer appeared to be in good spirits at the sporting event between the Vegas Golden Knights and Dion’s hometown team, the Montreal Canadiens.
Chantal Machabée, vice president of hockey communications for the Canadiens, shared that Dion (who disclosed her heartbreaking health struggles with fans over the past few months) was lively and engaged at the game. Not only was she chatting and laughing with others, but she even belted out a few notes.
Machabée shared footage of the star at the event and spoke with People Magazine about her impressive appearance at the game. Machabée noted that Dion looked “so happy” at the event. “She’s been through a lot, and to see her like this and smiling and being so happy…it’s amazing,” she said. Machabée added: “I know she has good days and not so good days, but this was a very good day, and it was reassuring.”
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Céline Dion Performed Publicly For First Time Since Stiff-Person Syndrome Diagnosis
The legendary pop star conversed, laughed, and even belted out “a few notes,” leaving an indelible impression on those present. According to Machabée, the experience was simply awe-inspiring to witness. “It was an incredible moment,” she said, adding of the “My Heart Will Go On” hitmaker: “she’s an amazing woman.”
Dion made an appearance on October 30th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to show support for her favorite hockey team. She greeted the team members and spent some quality time with her sons, René-Charles, 22, and twins, Eddy and Nelson, 13. Later, Machabeée posted photos on Instagram of her with the “I’m Alive” crooner, where Dion can be seen with her arm around her.
The “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” artist also uploaded a photo collection post for her 6.2 million Instagram followers that showed her and her sons hanging out with players from the team in their locker room. “My boys and I had such a fun time visiting with the Montreal Canadiens after their hockey game with Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas,” she wrote. Dion added: “They played so well, what a game!! Thank you for meeting us after the game, guys! That was memorable for all of us. Have a great season!”
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In the latter part of last year, Dion made public her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, a neurological ailment that is both rare and incurable. This condition can lead to excruciating muscle spasms and impacts the central nervous system, more specifically the brain and spinal cord. This information is in line with the knowledge shared by the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation.
Earlier this year, People was informed by an insider that Dion was striving to maintain good health in order to make a comeback on stage, after having to cancel all her concert dates until April 2024. In May 2023, the source reportedly told the outlet: “It’s heartbreaking that she has had to cancel touring but she is suffering mobility and other issues from the disease disrupting her daily life.”
They went on: “She is doing everything she can while working with doctors because she wants to perform. She has not given up at all. She is hoping to get all of the issues with this disease under control so she can sing again.”
