Unveiling the Hidden Plans Behind Celine Dion's 'Final Farewell' Dream – And the Health Challenges She Faces

CELINE DION’S legions of fans thought the dream of seeing their idol perform one last time was over.

They believed her suffering from — the cruel degenerative disease which causes statue-like rigidity and painful spasms — had scotched any hope of a final farewell.

Celine Dion announced she will play ten dates in September and October at the 40,000-capacity La Defense Arena in ParisCredit: Getty The Eiffel Tower is illuminated in Paris yesterday as the singer announces her comebackCredit: Getty The publicity shot for her two-month residency in the French capital this autumnCredit: PA

But as she celebrated her 58th birthday this week, it was who gave the ultimate present.

The singer, who has sold 250million records worldwide, in September and October at the 40,000-capacity La Defense Arena in .

Guided by an army of medics, the On hitmaker has been determined for six years to return to the stage.

And to avoid disappointing fans again after her were shelved, The Sun understands that her latest plans were developed in total secrecy.

Even Celine’s long-running PR teams only learned about the shows when mystery posters featuring some of her most well-known lyrics started appearing all over the French capital.

Behind the scenes, she has been rehearsing at her home in and a nearby recording studio at The Palms Resort.

‘If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl’

In a video message shot earlier this month, Celine said: “I’m so ready to do this. I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously, [and] of course, a little nervous.

“I’m doing great, managing my , feeling good. I’m singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing.

“’But 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.

“I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again.”

Following years of planning by promoters AEG, Celine will only perform on Wednesdays and Saturdays under strict doctors’ orders.

She must have physiotherapy and rest in between the gigs, while insurers have demanded full medical checks before and during the short run.

Ahead of the official announcement of shows, The Sun revealed earlier this week how Celine may need to perform seated like and to prevent her being injured from falling.

Phil, 75, perched on a seat for his final tour in 2021 and 2022 due to spinal issues and nerve damage, while , 76, was on a black throne for his final gig in Birmingham’s Villa Park 17 days before his death.

But there are rumours that Celine could extend her run.

A source said: “The hope is that more dates can be added. Celine and her promoters want to, but the call resists with her doctors.”

I’m doing great, managing my health, feeling good. I’m singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing

Celine Dion

And there are even plans for a third residency in Vegas, where she performed to 4.5million fans across 1,141 shows from 2003 to 2007 and 2011 to 2019.

Two sources told have The Sun , but she has “barriers to overcome regarding dealing with medical and requirements.”

Her determination to carry on performing lives up to her vow in her 2022 Prime documentary, I Am: “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl.”

Celine’s last UK concert was in front of 65,000 fans in ’s Hyde Park as part of British Summer Time Festival in July 2019.

Beginning later that year, she toured the world in support of her album Courage, playing 52 shows before the put the remainder on hold.

A planned Las Vegas residency in November 2021 was axed due to her ill health and the remainder of her world tour was called off before Celine revealed her devastating diagnosis to the world in December 2022.

She explained in a video: “These spasms affect every aspect of my life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”

Earlier, in April that year, she said: “I need to be in top shape when I’m on stage. I honestly can’t wait but I’m just not there yet.”

‘Military-style operation’

But in May 2023, Celine cancelled all remaining shows under doctors’ orders as she under control.

She said: “I’m so sorry to disappoint you once again.

Celine’s last UK concert was in front of 65,000 fans in London’s Hyde Park as part of British Summer Time Festival in July 2019, aboveCredit: Getty Her latest plans were developed in total secrecy to avoid disappointing fans again after her previous attempts at a live comeback were shelvedCredit: Amazon Prime Celine is suffering from Stiff Person’s syndrome, the cruel degenerative disease which causes statue-like rigidity and painful spasmsCredit: Amazon

“I am working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 per cent.

“It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best we cancel everything now until I am ready to be back on stage again. I am not giving up.”

True to her word, in 2024 Celine surprised the world by to sing Edith Piaf’s Hymne A L’Amour at .

The hope is that more dates can be added. Celine and her promoters want to, but the call resists with her doctors

Source

It spurred fans’ dreams that the music legend, who has been performing since she was 12, could actually put on a full concert again.

Determined to make a comeback, but wary of having to cancel again, Celine kept many of her long- standing team in the dark about her return to the stage.

A source said: “Celine has different teams for different parts of the world and parts of her life, including management, PRs for her live shows and day-to-day PR.

The superstar has been rehearsing for her comeback at her home in Las Vegas and a nearby recording studio at The Palms ResortCredit: Getty

“Many of them hadn’t got a clue anything was happening until posters started popping up in Paris last week with lyrics to Celine’s songs.

“The whole plan has been a military-style operation.”

Celine’s last public appearance was at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Presenting with the Album Of The Year award for Midnights, Celine was visibly moved by the standing ovation she received as she walked out on stage at LA’s Crypto.com Arena.

The superstar, who has won five Grammys herself, said: “When I say I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart.”

Last May Celine was said to have jetted to for a surprise performance at the .

Her jet was reportedly spotted at , and there were so many leaks that commentator even mentioned them during the live final.

But doctors reportedly ordered her to pull out at the last minute, so she sent a video message of support instead.

Celine was rumoured to have agreed to perform her French language track Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, which was her winning Eurovision entry for Switzerland in 1988.

That sentiment forms Celine’s determination to fight back against doctors who have worried about her ever performing live again

Insider

A source said: “The whole world is willing Celine on but it’s fair to say everyone will be holding their breathe until the moment she takes to the stage in September. It is astonishing we have got to this point, but the autumn shows have been green-lit.

“The mechanics are being worked out around her actual ability to be on stage in a safe manner.

“The medical process is still part of this journey and the understanding is that tests will still go ahead shortly before the opening night.”

The insider added: “Celine is a trooper. She has told many of those around her over recent years that the fans inspire her and they are everything to her.

“That sentiment forms Celine’s determination to fight back against doctors who have worried about her ever performing live again.

“It has been a long road from singing for a few minutes with a members of her inner circle at her home to having full rehearsals.”

The singer, who has sold 250million records worldwide, poses with Taylor Swift in 2024Credit: Getty In 2024, Celine appeared atop the Eiffel Tower to sing Edith Piaf’s Hymne A L’Amour at the Paris Olympics opening ceremonyCredit: Times Media Ltd