Celine Dion surprised her legion of fans when she made a shock appearance at the 2024 Grammys yesterday, taking to the stage to present an award.
The iconic singer has been stricken with Stiff Person Syndrome – the diagnosis of which she announced back in 2022 – and speculation regarding her health and overall well-being has been rampant.
The My Heart Will Go On star’s appearance at the 66th Grammy Awards marks arguably her biggest public outing since she fell sick. As a result, it should arguably come as no surprise that her presence was well received.
The last year has been a tough one for Celine Dion following the announcement that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.
The music icon has been forced to take a major step back from the spotlight, postponing and canceling shows as she seeks a way to recover. Updates as to her present condition have differed, sometimes painting a bleak outlook, other times giving fans reason to hope.
This past weekend fell into the latter category, after Dion made a surprise appearance to present an award at the 2024 Grammys.
As per reports, Dion took to the stage to hand out the Album of the Year award – a prize she won 27 years ago – and got a standing ovation from the celeb-sprinkled audience.
“I love you right back,” Dion said. “When I say that I’m happy to be here, I really mean it, from the bottom of my heart.”
And it wasn’t just those present who were delighted to see Dion at the ceremony, but also fans watching from around the world.
Seeing Celine Dion walk out on stage. No cane. No wheelchair. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/mhgUXXfi3G
— One foot, two foot (@CharleyBravoJr) February 5, 2024
Celine Dion got the whole room in tears right now. This legend, this queen. My goodness. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/SQyzlcj5Lt
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) February 5, 2024
I tell you, Celine Dion has been through a lot lately. So, it's so good to see her standing here. She looks so good. May God bless her. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/7D7w3SS0EC
— The Third King 👑 (@thirdking0208) February 5, 2024
As recently as August, 2023 it was it claimed there are growing fears that Dion might call time on her career as she’s struggling to find medications and treatments that can effectively combat her illness.
Stiff-person Syndrome is characterized by the Cleveland Clinic as “a rare autoimmune movement disorder that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). People with this condition first experience a stiffening of the muscles of their trunk followed, over time, by the development of stiffness and rigidity in the legs and other muscles in the body.”
We’re sending all our best wishes to Celine Dion at this difficult time!